The Euthyphro Dilemma
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Apr 3, 2024
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Samuel Gotell
Gil Shalev
Philosophy 1001
2 February 2024
The Socratic Method and the Euthyphro Dilemma
“Euthyphro” by Plato gives an intriguing philosophical discussion on piety. The beginning of the dialogue is setting the groundwork for the questions that Socrates will later
pose. In this dialogue Socrates uses his very own Socratic method, that which is a series of questions and answers to said questions. Socrates uses this method to guide the titular Euthyphro towards the true definition of piety. In the following paragraphs I will discuss the steps Socrates took using his method to get the definition of piety, the distinction between the two questions, and the implications this has on the morals of us humans.
Socrates of course used the Socratic method on Euthyphro, however the steps he took to the conclusion are important. Socrates goes through a methodical process of questioning Euthyphro again and again, to challenge his ideals and understanding. Socrates is instead seeking a definition quite different from the one Euthyphro provided. Socrates questioning is a methodical breakdown of every point, questioning the consistency, and validity in an effort to lead to a much higher understanding of what is piety. Eventually through this line of questioning Socrates poses the dilemma “Do the gods love the pious
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because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?” The dialogue before this question was posed was essentially background and context, with this the conversation can truly begin.
The meaning of the Euthyphro Dilemma is quite simple. There are two positions essentially coming down to the god’s commanding goodness because it is good, or it is only
good because it is commanded by the gods. Although the concept is quite simple the implications for both questions are great. Socrates in his discussion with Euthyphro does not lean in one way over the other, instead playing devils advocate and arguing for both options. In doing so Socrates is challenging Euthyphro to employ critical thinking of his own through the implications of each perspective and delve deep instead of relying on the superficial examples that he once did.
The questions that Socrates poses have grave implications on both ends. On one hand if the gods command good because it is good, that therefore means they are just following morals already set in place by someone else. If that is the case, then why would one not follow the one(s) who originally placed said morals? That is the main dilemma posed by the first part of Socrates question. The second part is equally as troubling as it dictates that goodness is only good because it is commanded by the gods. If that is the case then if the gods were to abruptly decide that murder, rape, and other horrendous actions were good then as the guiding force we are bound to follow. For religious personnel both of
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these situations are equally as troubling, however for someone like myself I do not find them to be problematic in the slightest. From my point of view good and bad is decided by each person and what I consider good may differ from someone else’s. I much rather to think and decide for myself what is good and bad rather than rely on what someone or something dictates. I understand however, that many people would rather someone or something else decide that for them, it makes life much less complicated. The problem then
is that this question is one that will most likely never be answered and eat away at people like that.
“Euthyphro” demonstrates that the Socratic method is a powerful tool in the realms of philosophy for creating philosophical dilemmas. The dialogue also poses one of the most
complex and troubling moral dilemmas for certain individuals. The dilemma challenges the
foundations of religious persons, causing much struggle and strife. This dialogue set an amazing example and stage for exploration into morality and the relationship between the god(s) and the humans.
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