Euthyphro Problem Research Paper

The Divine Command theory states that” an act is morally required just because it is commanded by God, and immoral just because God forbids it.” (Lecture Notes pg. 42, slide #2.) This theory says that since God has said that it is something we must do to be good, that we must do it. Many religions believe and live by this saying that “it is the will of God or the Gods”. I truly believe that God has done his work and is still at work and since He did create us, He does know what good and evil is and does have authority to tell us what is good.

In Plato 's Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro discuss the nature of piety. Euthyphro first proposed that piety is that which the gods love. His proposal was quickly objected by Socrates though, since the gods often disputed amongst themselves and therefore what one loves can be what another hates. Euthyphro then revised his hypothesis to say that piety is that which the gods love unanimously and for the moment this was their conclusion. This definition however, that piety is what the gods love unanimously, further proposed the question of whether the gods love the pious because it is pious or whether the pious is pious solely because the gods love it. If it is true that the gods love the pious because it is pious then the definition of

Q9. What is Socrates’ objection to the first definition of piety that Euthyphro has proposed?

In Plato's dialogue, 'Euthyphro', Socrates presents Euthyphro with a choice: `Is what is pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved [by the gods]?'

Socrates used this question to doubt Euthyphro’s thesis that morality depends on religion in a couple of ways. One way is Socrates was able to find flaws in Euthyphro’s thesis. For example, Socrates says, “Then according to your argument, my good Euthyphro, different gods consider different things to be just,

Greek philosopher Plato’s account of the end of fellow philosopher Socrates’ life in The Trial and Death of Socrates includes a plethora of philosophical theories and ideas, but the one that stands out the most is none other than what is known as the Euthyphro Paradox. Found in the “Euthyphro” section of the book, Socrates brings up the idea of what is actually considered pious, or moral, by asking what exactly makes those things pious in the first place. More specifically, Socrates asks Euthyphro: “Is the pious being loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is being loved by the gods?” (Plato 11).

Does morality stem from God? Or does it exist independently of his presence, not subject to arbitrary decisions? The first discussion over these questions appeared in Plato's Euthyphro, in which Plato chronicles the proceedings of a highly repetitive argument between Socrates and Euthyphro, a prophet and holy man, over the nature of piety and holiness. The questions produced in this dialogue have been expanded to remain relevant even in a modern religious context. It has achieved so much fame that the core question presented in this dialogue is now known as the Euthyphro Dilemma. In the dialogue, Socrates presents Euthyphro with a choice, "Is what is holy loved by the gods because it is holy, or is it holy because it is

In the Euthyphro, Plato describes the proceedings of a largely circular argument between Socrates and Euthyphro, a self-declared prophet and pious man, over the nature of piety and even of the gods themselves. The issues raised in this dialogue have been reinterpreted and extended to remain relevant even with a modern theological framework, so much so that the central issue is now known simply as ?the Euthyphro dilemma.? This is based on Socrates? two-way choice which he offers in the dialogue:

The investigation into piety proves difficult, as Euthyphro’s definitions are considered inadequate by Socrates. Piety on the basic level of simple apprehension, can be imagined as either an action or mental state. However; in order to get past the simple apprehension or conceptualization of piety, Euthyphro attempts to form an advanced level definition of the concept. He soon settles on a definition in

In my opinion, I think that the Euthyphro dilemma only proposes two options when there is clearly three. As stated earlier there is the restricted theory, unrestricted, and also the option that is the fact that good is based on Gods nature. Since God is good, just, and righteous and since we are made in his image it would only make sense that he o appeals to his own character for the standard of what is good and bad. Therefor he reveals what is good to us. He shows us what is right and wrong through his actions. God does not command that lying is wrong. It is wrong because God is incapable of lying, not because he had to discover that lying was wrong, and not

The dialogue Euthyphro, written by Plato, has many functions. The rational discussion urges us to question the ultimate problems of the human existence; to examine human life. The conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro, begs the question: are we to follow what society tells us is right or “pious”? Can Euthyphro bring his father to justice for an evil deed without fear of he himself committing an impious deed? Can we show proper respect to the gods with pious acts because it is what the gods love? Socrates argues that independence, from both the gods and a society that conforms ethics to religion, is the right path. He also argues that a traditional life dedicated to the gods may eventually result in impious behavior. The dialogue is much like a parable or a fable; a simple story used to

Socrates says that the reason he is trial is because he finds “it hard to accept things like that being said about the gods, and it is likely to be the reason why I shall be told

making some actions both right and wrong. Socrates lets Euthyphro off the hook on this one by agreeing with him, but only for purposes of

Euthyphro finally gets to his first definition of piety; he claims that which is pious is that which is loved by the Gods. Socrates reminds Euthyphro that the Gods may disagree on certain

In Plato’s Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro had a conversation about piety. During the conversation, Socrates raised a question which was a challenge to the Euthyphro’s definition of piety. Also, this question is a challenge to the theists’ view of divine command theory. I agree with the arbitrariness objection which succeeds giving a good reason to theists to reject the divine command theory. This objection indicates that the arbitrariness of God’s commands contradicts to the fundamental attribute of God, and God’s commands are unable to make an act morally good or bad.