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Euthyphro was a character in one of Plato's Dialogues, by means of which Plato examines the meaning of what is good. Euthyphro demonstrates that he is not an atheist, by defining goodness in terms of what the gods would want. At this point, Plato has Socrates raise the Euthyphro Dilemma: 'Do the gods choose what is good because it is good, or is the good good because the gods choose it?' If the first option is true, this shows that good is good independent of the gods (or in modern terms, God) - good is good and that is why a good god will always choose it. If the second option is true, this makes the very idea of what is good arbitrary. If something is good simply because the gods choose it, then what is to stop the gods choosing torture, thus making it good?
The problem with the second option in answer to the the Euthyphro Dilemma is that for God to choose torture, thus making it good, is absurd. But the reason it is absurd is that we believe torture is wrong and that is why God would never choose it. To recognise this is to recognise that we do not need God to determine right or wrong.
Euthyphro had tried to attribute morality to the gods, but Socrates showed him that no such attribution is possible.
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What kind of person is Euthyphro?
Euthyphro was known to be one of Plato's dialogues (between Socrates and Euthyphro). Euthyphro was aparently a noted religious expert in the Classical Age of Greece. He and Socrates discussed the issue of piety - and what constituted piety - in this particular dialogue.
In the dialog Euthyphro what is Socrates is asking?
In the dialog "Euthyphro," Socrates is questioning Euthyphro about the nature of piety and impiety. He wants Euthyphro to define what piety is and to provide a clear explanation of the difference between pious and impious actions. Socrates is ultimately searching for a universal definition of piety that is not based on personal opinions or beliefs.
What is euthyphro argument?
Euthyphro's dilemma is a philosophical question about the nature of morality and whether something is good because the gods command it, or whether the gods command it because it is good. This question was posed by Plato in his dialogue "Euthyphro" and continues to be a subject of debate in ethical theory.
Why does Socrates want to become Euthyphros student?
Socrates wants to become Euthyphro's student because he admires Euthyphro's knowledge and expertise in matters of religion and ethics. Socrates hopes to learn from Euthyphro and engage in philosophical discussions to deepen his own understanding of morality and piety.
What is the significance of Euthyphro's dilemma?
The Euthyphro dilemma. "Are morally good acts willed by God because they are morally good, or are they morally good because they are willed by God?"
The Euthyphro What is wrong with the first definition of piety that Euthyphro offers at 5e Why isn't it a good definition?
Euthyphro's first definition of piety as prosecuting wrongdoers, even if they are one's relatives, is problematic because it does not encompass all instances of piety. Piety involves more than just prosecuting wrongdoers; it also includes honoring the gods and fulfilling one's religious duties, which Euthyphro's definition fails to capture. Additionally, this definition is limited in scope and overlooks other important aspects of piety.
Why does Euthyphro shift from former to the latter?
Euthyphro shifts his definition of piety from the former to the latter in Plato's dialogue because he realizes that the first definition is too broad and vague, and the second definition suggests a more specific understanding rooted in the gods' approval. By focusing on what the gods love, Euthyphro believes he can provide a more precise and acceptable definition of piety.
Who is Euthyphro prosecuting?
Euthyphro is prosecuting his father for the murder of a laborer, claiming that his father acted unjustly by letting the laborer die without seeking help. Euthyphro believes that it is his duty to uphold piety and justice, even when it involves taking legal action against a family member. This situation sets the stage for the philosophical dialogue with Socrates, where they explore the nature of piety and morality.
Which subject does Socrates discuss in Euthyphro?
Socrates discusses the nature of piety or holiness in the dialogue Euthyphro. He questions Euthyphro about his understanding of piety and investigates whether actions are pious because the gods approve of them, or whether the gods approve of actions because they are pious.
What question is under debate in the Euthyphro?
In Plato's dialogue "Euthyphro," the central question under debate is the nature of piety or holiness. Specifically, Socrates challenges Euthyphro to define what piety is and whether something is pious because the gods love it, or do the gods love it because it is pious. This inquiry raises deeper philosophical issues regarding morality, the divine, and the relationship between ethics and religion.
What has the author Jacques Bailly written?
Jacques Bailly has written: 'Plato's Euthyphro & Clitophon'
In the last days of socrates Why does Socrates want to become Euthyphros student?
Socrates wants to become Euthyphro's student to gain a deeper understanding of piety. He believes that by studying under Euthyphro, he can learn more about the nature of holiness and develop his own philosophical arguments on the topic.
