The Search for the Definition of Piety in Plato’s Euthyphro

Euthyphro’s First Attempt: Examples of Pious Acts

Euthyphro’s initial definition of piety in Plato’s dialogue is to provide examples of pious acts, such as prosecuting wrongdoers. However, Socrates challenges this definition, expressing his desire to understand the essence of piety rather than simply a list of pious actions.

Euthyphro’s Second Attempt: What is Dear to the Gods

In his second attempt, Euthyphro defines piety as what is dear to the gods. He argues that piety is determined by the gods’ preferences. Socrates, however, raises an objection to this definition, pointing out that the gods themselves may have conflicting opinions on what is dear to them, making it difficult to establish a universal standard of piety.

Euthyphro’s Third Attempt: What All the Gods Love

Euthyphro’s third definition of piety is that it is what all the gods love, and the opposite is considered impious. According to him, piety is rooted in the unanimous approval of the gods. Socrates, however, raises the Euthyphro Problem, questioning whether something is pious because the gods love it or if the gods love it because it is inherently pious. This dilemma challenges the notion of basing morality solely on divine authority.

Euthyphro’s Fourth Attempt: Piety and the Care of the Gods

In his fourth attempt, Euthyphro relates piety to the care of the gods, suggesting that piety is concerned with the gods while justice is concerned with both gods and men. He argues that piety is a specific aspect of virtue that deals with our obligations to the gods. However, Socrates raises a crucial question, challenging how human actions can truly benefit or improve the gods, thus questioning the coherence of Euthyphro’s definition.

Euthyphro’s Fifth Attempt: Piety as a Trading Skill

Euthyphro’s final attempt describes piety as a sort of trading skill between gods and men, where serving the gods pleases them. This definition brings the conversation back to the idea that piety is what is pleasing or dear to the gods. However, Socrates points out that this definition fails to provide a clear understanding of what piety truly is and does not address the underlying nature of piety.

Conclusion

Plato’s Euthyphro raises important philosophical questions about the definition of piety and the relationship between morality and religion. Through the dialogue between Euthyphro and Socrates, Plato highlights the challenges and limitations of defining abstract concepts like piety solely based on divine authority. The Euthyphro dialogue invites readers to reflect on the nature of moral standards and the complexities inherent in defining concepts as fundamental as piety.

Sources:

• “Euthyphro.” Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthyphro
• “Euthyphro.” Oberlin College. Retrieved from https://www2.oberlin.edu/faculty/mwallace/Euthyprho.html
• “Euthyrphro Outline (Philos. 201).” University of Houston. Retrieved from https://uh.edu/~cfreelan/courses/Euth.html

FAQs

What is the main theme of Plato’s dialogue, Euthyphro?

The main theme of Plato’s dialogue, Euthyphro, is the search for the definition of piety. The dialogue explores various attempts made by the character Euthyphro to define piety, which is met with critical examination by Socrates.

What is Euthyphro’s first attempt at defining piety?

Euthyphro’s first attempt at defining piety is to provide examples of pious acts, such as prosecuting wrongdoers. He argues that piety is doing what is pleasing to the gods.

How does Socrates respond to Euthyphro’s first definition?

Socrates objects to Euthyphro’s first definition, stating that he wants to understand the essence of piety itself, rather than just having a list of pious and impious actions. Socrates seeks a deeper understanding of the concept.

What is Euthyphro’s second attempt at defining piety?

In his second attempt, Euthyphro defines piety as what is dear to the gods. He argues that piety is determined by the gods’ preferences.

What is Socrates’ objection to Euthyphro’s second definition?

Socrates challenges Euthyphro’s second definition by highlighting that the gods themselves may have differing opinions on what is dear to them. This raises the question of whether there is a universal standard of piety or if it is subjective based on individual gods’ preferences.

What is Euthyphro’s third attempt at defining piety?

Euthyphro’s third attempt defines piety as what all the gods love, and the opposite as impious. He argues that piety is rooted in the unanimous approval of the gods.

What is the Euthyphro Problem raised by Socrates?

The Euthyphro Problem is raised by Socrates in response to Euthyphro’s third definition. Socrates questions whether something is pious because the gods love it or if the gods love it because it is inherently pious. This challenges the idea of basing moral standards solely on divine authority.

What is Euthyphro’s fourth attempt at defining piety?

In his fourth attempt, Euthyphro relates piety to the care of the gods, suggesting that piety is concerned with the gods while justice is concerned with both gods and men. He argues that piety is a specific aspect of virtue that deals with our obligations to the gods.