Essays on Euthyphro

Euthyphro

. The argument in Euthyphro sounds in line 5 section 7 as follows: «what is dear to the gods is pious, what is not is impious.» . Euthyphro consists of a dialogue between Socrates and EuthyphroEuthyphro argues that the pious was what he was doing then, to prosecute the wrongdoer. Socrates has opposite position and supposes that what is loved by the gods is also hated by them. Socrates is arguing against prosecuting Euthyphro’s father for murder. Socrates concludes that people recognize that the pious is loved because it is pious, not pious because it is loved. On the other ...

The topic of Piety has been best discussed and covered by Plato in the dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro. The two speakers engage in a verbal discussion on the applicability as well as the meaning of the word Piety. This essay will start out with a brief overview of the dialogue and will proceed to critically examine the concepts discussed between Euthyphro and Socrates. Lastly, the essay would also briefly discuss Plato’s view from my own viewpoint, while also examining my own notions of Piety.

Overview

The story starts out as a dialogue between Plato and Euthyphro. While Plato ...

Socrates can be justly named the father of Western philosophy and as a consequence of the science itself. Even given that we have no factual evidence, except literary sources, of his existence at all, he still is regarded as one of the greatest if not the greatest philosopher in the history of Western thought. He is given such credits not without a reason. Despite his claim that he only knows that he knows nothing when reading his dialogs written by Plato, his most notable disciple, I got stunned and impressed with his wisdom and insight. In Euthyphro, the story ...

The Divine Command theory also known as Theological Voluntarism is a theory that holds the view that morality is dependent on the commands of God and that moral obligations mean obedience to God’s Word (Divine Command). In other words, for an action to be considered morally right, it must be in line with the commands of God or the character of God. The viewpoint of these commands is not static and as such is different from one religion to another. Philosophers hold different opinions on this theory; as a result, it has been defended by some and opposed ...

One of the most common characteristics of human societies is that they have established a distinct separation between what is good and what is bad. Nevertheless, throughout the different cultures, people have come to various conclusions as to what these entail. It is then logical to ask for the basis of morality, the main issue at stake in one of Plato’s great dialogues, Euthyphro. The two people that interact are Socrates and the eponymous character, the latter of which claims to know about morality. Nevertheless, by employing his maieutic, Socrates leads Euthyphro to make two arguments, neither of ...

In the Euthyphro dialogue, Plato considers the question “what is piety?” (Grube, 1991). By so doing, he wants to establish whether piety is living as gods in Greek want or if what gods will and want good and pious. Plato observes that choosing any of the options is inconclusive since it ends up in a dilemma. According to Plato in this dialogue, piety can be defined as “that which is dear to the gods” or what the gods love (Grube, 1991). For the purposes of this paper, piety will be substituted for morality. This essay is a philosophical analysis ...

Plato, who is a famous individual even today, came from a very good background of an Athenian Family. His family had very critical political connections. Socrates was the main person who was an influence on Plato’s life. The uncle to Plato named Charmides knew Socrates very well, and he might have been the one who introduced Plato to him (Socrates). More essentially, Socrates was always observed in action by Plato. It was very risky to spend time with Socrates because he used to offend those that had a desire to be elite members. In addition, he used to ...

Introduction

Everyone would like to live his or her life in the best way possible. This notion goes without saying, although there has been contemplation of the question since time immemorial. Which is the best possible kind of life to lead. As a result, philosopher and sages from all walks of life started devoting their lives to establishing the right answer. These philosophers, started writing books to demonstrate to the world their versions of how to live the good life. The two philosophers whose perceptions of living the best possible life are widely known are Plato and Lao Tzu. In ...

Determining What is Good

A day before his execution, Socrates is visited in prison by his friend Crito to try and convince him to escape. Crito tells Socrates that if he is executed people will think that Crito could have helped Socrates if he was willing to give money but he did not care. Crito says that people will think he values money more than a friend’s life since no one will believe he tried to convince Socrates to escape, and he refused. Socrates tells Critos that the opinions of many people do not matter. Socrates says that the only the only ...

Socrates was charged with denying the gods’ existence and perverting the young. Interestingly enough, he admits having committed a crime, while believing he has done no harm. Also, the fact that the he has annoyed people amuses him; therefore, he enjoys the position of a hell-raiser in the society.

What is the Euthyphro Dilemma? Why is it important for ethics?

Identifying the essence of Piety constitutes the Euthyphro Dilemma, as well as the objects of the gods’ love and the reasons for the love. It is relevant in terms of ethics, we would not be able to discriminate between the good and evil and what reasons lie behind people’s ...

Euthypro

Euthypro has clear vision of terms “pious” and “piety”. Like he said, “piety is doing as I do, prosecuting your father (if he is guilty) on a charge of murder; doing as the gods do--as Zeus did to Cronos, and Cronos to Uranus.” He provided strong support of his view, but still could not convince me. I think there should be more clear ways to explain not only this, but many other terms. People should have general criteria to answer questions like “what is love?” At first, there should be direct definition. However, it is hard to create it ...

Philosophy – it is an extremely generalized theoretical vision of the world that has been studying by great philosophers during a number of centuries. These philosophers have set different goals while they research the world and its public order, and while they try to establish their own philosophical worldviews and system of values. The way in which great philosophers understand reality differs from the religious and scientific way of accepting the world. In contrast to religion, philosophy differs due to its rationality, and presence of scientific ideas. At the same time, it also differs from the scientific way of understanding ...

In Euthyphro of Plato, we are introduced first to a conversation that goes on between Socrates and Euthyphro with an explanation by Euthyphro on his intention to prosecute his father on the murder that he strongly believes that he has committed in his presence. It is clear that Socrates from the start of Euthyphro has one objective in mind; questioning the ones around him and provoking them in questioning their own lives aspects. A good example is the question that he directs to Euthyphro that at first glance looks confusing. The argument clearly states that the morality idea is solely ...

In regards to relativism and subjectivism we can establish that holding a moral belief is a subjective opinion, but using the divine command theory can lead us to the conclusion that morality has the possibility of objectivity. Opinions could be based on personal culture/folklore, family history, or media portrayal. Unless one can strip away all of these subjective opinion inducing factors, an individual’s specific morality cannot be objective and most likely won’t be relevant to a large amount of ethical situations. This bias obviously limits objectivity, since opinions are decided by a person’s background and social peers instead of morality. ...

In regards to Relativism and subjectivism we can establish that holding a moral belief is a subjective opinion, but using the divine command theory can lead us to the conclusion that morality has the possibility of objectivity. Opinions could be based on your culture/folklore, your parents/grandparents, TV/videogames, and unless you can strip away all of these subjective opinion inducing factors, your specific morality cannot be objective and it probably won’t be relevant to a large amount of ethical situations. This basis obviously limits objectivity, you’re opinions are decided by where you come from and who you’re with as opposed ...

The concept of holiness in the dialogue between Euthyphro and Socrates emerges when Socrates insists that Euthyphro ought to have been perfectly informed of what is pious and what is impious prior to filing a murder charge against his own father. Socrates presence at the porch of the King Archon had been occasioned by a case of impiety brought against him by Meletus. The concept of holiness takes a prominent position in the discussion between Socrates and Euthyphro because Socrates wanted to learn of what is pious and what is impious so that he could defend himself in case. Euthyphro was considered ...

In the contemporary world, the concept of religion is more specialized and diverse among varied religious affiliation. Therefore, various forums for philosophical discussion have come up with dissimilar ideas centered on religion. The intent of this thesis is to respond to a series of questions concerning religion.

- What is the doctrine of divine simplicity?

The doctrine of divine simplicity God is simply outlined as a supreme being that lacks distinct metaphysical parts, constituents, or properties. Rather, God is given special attributes such as holiness, goodness, merciful, etc. Therefore, God is divine hence can only be attributed to his greatness, power, and wisdom.

- Can we make sense of the idea that perfect goodness is identical to perfect power?

God is actually a definition of the ...

The concept of piety in the conversation

The concept of holiness emerges in the conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro at the point where Euthyphro argues that he is prosecuting his father because failure to do so could upshot in impiety (Le Poidevin, 2011). Impiety here refers to a state of being holy and devoid of wrong. The philosopher Euthyphro finds a basis of his decision to prosecute his own father in the thinking of the gods. According to Euthyphro, it would be wrong to prosecute a stranger who committed the same crime as his father if he would not prosecute his relations. It is in this position that he ...

In order to get a clear picture of how Plato would respond to this dilemma, it is important to establish the facts about this case. A woman named Lisa Krawchuk qualified for welfare assistance because of her low income. The welfare authorities required her to report any changes in her income for the period that she received the benefits. She agreed to that condition, reported an increase in her income after her husband got a part-time job and the welfare office reduced her payments accordingly. Lisa failed to report that she was benefiting from a student loan and the welfare office withdrew ...

Introduction

In ancient times, intellectuals and philosophers such as Plato, Socrates, Euthyphro and Aristotle among many others engaged in intense Philosophical debates about morality, science, sociology among many other issues. The debate between Euthyphro and Socrates on piety or holiness stands out as a classic philosophical argument. While Euthyphro offers different definitions on what he thought piety and impiety were, Socrates refutes them on his own grounds because he wanted to learn how to defend himself and justify acts of impiety filed against him by Meletus (Navia, 2007). The Concept of piety or holiness takes a prominent position in the dialogue ...

Summary on Euthyphro's Dialogue

Socrates goes to the court to seek advice from Euthyphro on an indictment by a young man by the name Meletus, who claims that he knows by whom and how the young are corrupted. So by that he refers to Socrates as the one corrupting the young by fabricating the gods of which Socrates knows nothing about because according to him, what he taught was the mere truth which he says the Athenians dislike because he is trying to win people in his own way of thinking. It is at this point that Ethyphro tells Socrates about the dilemma ...

Philosophy

The Divine Command Theory purports that a particular act becomes either moral or not (immoral) on no other basis other than God has commanded that it be done or forbids us from doing that particular act. According to this theory, an action is only made wrong by the fact that God Himself prohibits it’s doing. As seen in the definition, whatever it is that God commands automatically becomes the basic standard of morality, and there exist no other moral values other than what God prescribes for man. The belief that there is no limit whatsoever as to what ...

Socrates is popular for his shifting thoughts on Greek philosophical ideas about the nature of the universe. Philosophers before Socrates’ time also examined of the problems associated with human life. Nonetheless, Socrates was the first philosopher to analyze ethics as a science. In addition, Socrates looked at the principles of human life from a methodical and consistent perspective. Many critics note that Socrates influenced the expansion of Western philosophy and culture in many ways. In fact, a number of critics believe that Socrates was instrumental in his teachings and such thoughts impacted on the development of Christianity. Arguably, Socrates wrote nothing and ...

Euthyphro defines piety as what the gods love. However, Socrates, who is under the charge of impiety, disagrees with this definition. The argument is based on this disagreement, as well as the definition by division. In this case, Socrates asks Euthyphro to provide another word that comes after piety. Socrates uses this strategy to provide counter arguments on the definitions provided. For this definition, Socrates recognizes that it is of a universal nature but criticizes it on the account that the gods may disagree on the basis of what is good and pleasing to them. In this case, different gods ...

The mythical presence of Socrates and his legendary acceptance of the poisoned drink have always fascinated the philosophers and historians alike. What makes the historical and philosophical character of Socrates even more elusive is the fact that Socrates himself did not write any big volumes of philosophy and the sole vessel to his philosophical contributions are the reminiscences of his equally gifted student Plato. Due to this indirect nature of the knowledge being passed down, one can never be sure of what Socrates really believed in as there are many conflicting views presented by other philosophers who were directly ...

Socrates appears as an individual with rather radical viewpoints for his time, considering that in the Golden Age of Greece, where Pericles believed the masses deserved liberty, he saw and insisted on the need to guide the masses, like a wise shepherd does to a herd. To him, people should not be self-governed and that those that claim to be philosophers or people with deep knowledge of the things around them, should first realize their ignorance, which is their true wisdom. His most characteristic trait is his ability to turn any conversation around and lead his interlocutor exactly to his point, ...

In Euthyphro, the pious is defined in many ways and it has many definitions. Among them, ‘the pious is being dear to gods’ and the pious should be ready to sacrifice to please gods. When comparing this with the definitions in Iliad, we can find similarities as well as variations. In Iliad, Homer defines piety as the person who is dear to gods by showing that gods are helping the pious whom they are considering as their dearest ones. Apollo showered his blessing over the old man who left in anger by satisfying his prayer. Apollo punishes Argives as ...

Philosophy

The Socratic Method clarified the concepts of Good and Justice. If you have any problem, break it down to a series of questions and you find your required answer in those responses.This philosophy has earned him the crown of father of political and moral philosophy and a leader in mainstream Western philosophy. The Socratic Method is so designed as to help examine one's own beliefs and evaluate their worth. Philosophical Beliefs Socrates has exerted great influence on the school of philosophy. Socrates has clarified the concept of Justice and Good. He has given solutions to the problems. For example, he has ...

Socrates and Euthyphro struck a conversation on the definition which later moved to the concept of holiness and piety when they meet in a courthouse. In the courthouse, Euthyphro was set to prosecute his father, Socrates, for manslaughter. Socrates probably wanted to use the definition of piety obtained from the dialogue to defend against the charges of impropriety leveled against him. Socrates refutes this definition since it does not explain the basic characteristics that can make it to be used to gauge when things are pious or not or what makes pious things to be said they are pious. Accordingly, ...

Introduction

Socrates distinct himself from the definition of what is pious, a state of being piety. With different view from Euthyphro, Socrates believes that the definition of pious is “what is dear to gods” rather than prosecuting wrongdoers using the proof from the traditional stories, this is according to Euthyphro. Socrates first argues that if the traditional stories are followed to achieve justice, they could lead to biased results. This is because “if it is true that gods quarrel about justice among themselves, then what some god’s love, others must hate. Socrates therefore argues that not all things that are ...

ABSTRACT

Euthyphro is not really able to answer any of the questions Socrates asks about piety and holiness, since he is looking for a universal answer about the meaning of these terms. Socrates probably does not believe in the traditional gods of Athens but rather in a monotheistic God with a universal concept of truth, justice and morality. Indeed, he is about to go on trial for impiety and instructing the youth of Athens to question the existence of the gods, and will be sentenced to death. In comparison, Euthyphro has very rigid and limited ideas about holiness, which generally involve obeying laws, ...

In regards to Relativism and subjectivism we can establish that holding a moral belief is a subjective opinion, but using the divine command theory can lead us to the conclusion that morality has the possibility of objectivity. Opinions could be based on your culture/folklore, your parents/grandparents, TV/videogames, and unless you can strip away all of these subjective opinion inducing factors, your specific morality cannot be objective and it probably won’t be relevant to a large amount of ethical situations. This basis obviously limits objectivity, you’re opinions are decided by where you come from and who you’re with ...

Euthyphro is a Plato’s dialogue dating back to 399BC leading to the court-martial of Socrates. The dialogue features Socrates, a religious leader and Plato. The dialogue takes place near King-archon’s court whereby the two gentlemen meet each other for a court hearing. Euthyphro had come to lay murder charges to his father who had let one of their workers die due to lack of proper care and attention. Socrates is astonished by this act and concludes that Euthyphro did not understand the meaning of pious and impious. The dialogue is then extended when Socrates asks Euthyphro to define piety. ...

On the last days of Socrates, he faces death with courage as he understands the meaning of life and his transition to the other life. In the last days of Socrates, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo give an account of his trial and death. They all give an account of events as they had happened with the help of dialogues by Socrates (Tredennick and Tarrant 12). To show the meaning of Socrates’ departure, various scholars have analyzed these encounters. Philosophers use the last days of Socrates to teach their students the art of a master and a student. They present ...

Introduction

Socrates was a classical eccentric philosopher in the ancient Greek. He was born in Athens and lived between the years 469 B.C.E to 399 B.C.E. He was born in a humble family; his father was a mason and his mother a midwife. He lived during a period when the world was morally uninformed, and eternal truth was disregarded. He studied philosophy and used this knowledge to question people’s illogical reasoning and injustice during social gatherings. He was condemned of corrupting the young people and criticizing democracy in governance and authority given to the religious system. Socrates formed a basis for today’s philosophy. ...

ABSTRACT

Despite repeated requests in the dialogue, Euthyphro is not able to instruct Socrates on any subject, of course, but he does have certain ideas about the gods, piety and impiety that are rather limited and narrow compared to those of the philosopher. First and foremost, he understands piety, justice and morality to be legalistic, and a question of obeying certain rules while punishing criminals and evildoers. Indeed, he is so certain of his understanding of these questions that he is even willing to prosecute his father for murder. He then goes on to define piety as actions that are dear ...

- Swaraj or ‘Home rule’ and ‘satyagraha’, the most complex of the three, was translated by Gandhi (1869-1948) as ‘soul force’ but it’s usually known as ‘passive resistance’. Swaraj to Gandhi did not just mean the state of affairs of the Indian nation at the time of British rules, but it was a criticism on the nature of how western capitalism and imperialism had come to dominate the world. How these two concepts relate is that Gandhi wanted to oppose the British rule in India but his religious belief and his respect for life were so profound ...

The divine command theory dictates that whatever god says is morally correct is morally correct and whatever god says is morally wrong is morally wrong. This makes moral dilemmas as easy as looking it up in an instruction manual. This in theory completely resolves the issue of subjectivity in morality. On the other hand the first problem is that this theory presupposes a belief in god and if you don’t believe in god, you certainly won’t be willing to accept an imaginary deities’ codes of conduct because obviously if he isn’t real these rules were not made ...

In regards to Relativism and subjectivism we’ve sort of established that holding a moral belief is a subjective opinion. This opinion could be based on your culture/folklore, your parents/grandparents, TV/videogames, and unless you can strip away all of these subjective opinion inducing factors, your specific morality cannot be objective and it probably won’t be relevant to a large amount of ethical situations. This basis obviously limits objectivity, you’re opinions are decided by where you come from and who you’re with as opposed to what is always right and what is always wrong. Divine command theory attempts ...

When Euthyphro, a great theologian, meets Socrates the great philosopher outside King Archon’s court, he is amazed that such a great man as his friend Socrates could be prosecuted. After exchanging casual regards, they narrate to one another the reasons as to why they are waiting outside the court. It becomes apparent that Euthyphro is at the court to sue his father for the murder of a servant of his. Conversely, Socrates is at the court as a defendant after a young man, who Socrates considers wise has leveled charges of incitement against him. Socrates becomes interested in knowing what on earth could ...

In the Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro have a discussion in which they seek to define the concept of holiness. Socrates ran into Euthyphro at the king’s court and leans that Euthyphro is accusing his father of murder. His father was indirectly responsible for the death of a servant who had killed another person. He took the servant, bound him and threw him in a ditch while they waited for advice on what they should do to him. By the time the messenger returned, the man was already dead. For this, Euthyphro was going to prosecute his own father of the murder ...

Euthyphro – Plato

Euthyphro looks at the issue of holiness and how it can be noticed. Crito deals with responsibility as specified by the law whereas Phaebo the human soul. In apology, we see Socrates trying to proof his innocence in Athenian court bringing in new religious beliefs misdirecting the young generation. This is Plato’s most profound defense critical to the philosophy of the society. None of the characters agrees with author’s views each of them arguing with their own line of thinking. They examined and critically questioned every statement and as it winds up it gives an impression that ...

In the Euthyphro, an ancient Socratic dialogue, Socrates, an eminent philosopher meets Euthyphro, a renowned theologian outside King Archon’s court. After exchanging the usual regards, Euthyphro expresses his shock of seeing Socrates at the court. He enquires to know what could have possibly brought the scholar to the court, not expecting to hear that Socrates was the defendant, which surprisingly turns out to be the case. Apparently, Socrates has been summoned to the court after being accused of corrupting the youths in society. Euthyphro does not know how Socrates corrupts the youth. Socrates explains to him that Meletus, a young ...

The concept of holiness emerges in the dialogue when Socrates attempts to understand the essence of holiness and piety. Socrates asks Euthyphro what he has to say of pity and tries to give in the definition on what he thinks the gods feel about (Jowett, 2008). This then triggers the discussion of piety and holiness between Socrates and Euthyphro. The discussion that they have suggests that Euthyphro is not reasoning along the right lines. Euthyphro holds that whatever is approved by the gods is holy. Through his skillful argument Socrates clarifies that the definition is insufficient. Even though the ...

In “Euthyphro,” one of Plato’s early dialogues, Plato describes the meeting between Euthyphro and Socrates near the king-archon’s court and proceeds to record their conversation about piety. Piety is a virtue that is often interpreted as religious devotion or spirituality. While piety in contemporary society usually means devoting God to gain good graces or seek forgiveness, piety was considered in a wider context by Greek philosophers, so it was a virtue that allowed a person to respect social order, religious order, and display devotion to others. Piety is directly influenced by the development of practical wisdom because practical wisdom was considered ...