The Search for the Definition of Piety in Plato’s Euthyphro
Plato’s dialogue, Euthyphro, delves into the philosophical exploration of the meaning of piety. It takes the form of a conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro, as they engage in a thought-provoking discourse regarding the nature of piety and impiety. This article examines the various definitions proposed by Euthyphro and the objections raised by Socrates, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the concept of piety.
Euthyphro’s First Definition: Prosecuting Wrongdoers
Euthyphro initially defines piety as the act of prosecuting wrongdoers, whether it be for murder, temple robbery, or any other offense. However, Socrates challenges this definition, expressing his desire to understand the essence of piety and impiety, rather than merely obtaining a list of pious and impious actions.
Euthyphro’s Second Definition: What is Dear to the Gods
In response to Socrates’ objection, Euthyphro presents his second definition of piety, stating that what is dear to the gods is considered pious, while what is not dear to the gods is impious. Socrates, in his characteristic manner, questions this definition by highlighting the disagreements and conflicts among the gods themselves. He argues that if the gods have conflicting opinions about what is dear to them, the same action could be both pious and impious simultaneously.
Euthyphro’s Third Definition: What All the Gods Love
Euthyphro then puts forth his third definition, proclaiming that piety is what all the gods love, and conversely, impiety is what all the gods hate. However, Socrates raises a profound dilemma known as the Euthyphro Problem. He questions whether the gods love pious things because they are inherently pious, or if things are considered pious simply because they are loved by the gods. This line of inquiry challenges the relationship between piety and divine approval.
Euthyphro’s Fourth Definition: The Care of the Gods
In his fourth attempt to define piety, Euthyphro associates it with the care and attention bestowed upon the gods, whereas justice encompasses matters concerning both gods and humans. Socrates probes Euthyphro’s claim that our pious actions can improve the gods, asserting that the gods, being divine and perfect entities, cannot be influenced or enhanced by anything we do.
Euthyphro’s Fifth Definition: A Skillful Trade
Euthyphro’s fifth and final definition presents piety as a sort of skillful trade or exchange between gods and humans. According to this view, serving the gods pleases them, and in return, they bestow favor upon us. However, Socrates remains unsatisfied and insists on unraveling the true nature of piety, suggesting that they go back to the beginning and embark on a deeper investigation.
In conclusion, Plato’s Euthyphro engages readers in a captivating exploration of the definition of piety. Through the dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro, we encounter multiple definitions proposed by Euthyphro, each met with critical scrutiny by Socrates. The discourse raises profound questions about the nature of piety, the relationship between the gods and piety, and the challenges inherent in defining such an abstract concept.
Sources:
- “Euthyphro” – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthyphro
- “Euthyphro” – Oberlin College. Retrieved from https://www2.oberlin.edu/faculty/mwallace/Euthyprho.html
- “Euthyphro Outline (Philos. 201)” – University of Houston. Retrieved from https://uh.edu/~cfreelan/courses/Euth.html
FAQs
What is the main question explored in Plato’s Euthyphro?
The main question explored in Plato’s Euthyphro is the definition of piety and the nature of its relationship to the gods.
What is Euthyphro’s first definition of piety?
Euthyphro’s first definition of piety is “to prosecute the wrongdoer, be it about murder or temple robbery or anything else.”
Why does Socrates object to Euthyphro’s first definition?
Socrates objects to Euthyphro’s first definition because he seeks to understand the essence of piety and impiety, rather than simply obtaining a list of pious and impious actions.
What is Euthyphro’s second definition of piety?
Euthyphro’s second definition of piety is “what is dear to the gods is pious, what is not is impious.”
How does Socrates challenge Euthyphro’s second definition?
Socrates challenges Euthyphro’s second definition by pointing out that the gods themselves disagree and fight about what is dear to them, which leads to the same action being both pious and impious.
What is Euthyphro’s third definition of piety?
Euthyphro’s third definition of piety is “the pious is what all the gods love, and the opposite, what all the gods hate, is impious.”
What is the Euthyphro Problem raised by Socrates?
The Euthyphro Problem is a dilemma raised by Socrates, questioning whether the gods love pious things because they are inherently pious, or if things are considered pious simply because they are loved by the gods.
How does Socrates challenge Euthyphro’s claim about improving the gods through pious actions?
Socrates questions Euthyphro’s claim that our pious actions can better the gods, asserting that the gods, being divine and perfect entities, cannot be influenced or improved by anything we do.