Question

In Plato's work, Euthyphro, Socrates questions Euthyphro's definition of "piety" (or goodness). However, Socrates wants to know what the "essence" of goodness is, not merely an "example" of something good. Ultimately, Euthyphro states that "goodness (or piety) is that which is loved and commanded by god." Socrates responds by asking a two part question:

1. Is "goodness" good because god loves and commands it? If so, then "goodness" is left to the decision of god and not to our ability to reason. Therefore, goodness is an arbitrary concept.

2. Is "goodness" loved and commanded by god because it is already good? If so, then why do I need god to command something that is "always-already" good? Therefore, god is an arbitrary concept.

In your DB response, discuss in 150-200 words: (1) what are some issues that arise if a person is only able to account for "goodness" in light of what they believe god has commanded (through various religious texts); and (2) are there any issues that are relevant today that some individuals believe that god has commanded (in various religious ideas) to be "bad" that one's reason may think otherwise?

Answer 1

Goodness can not be bound in a simple definition. It is a complex term. Even a bad act can be a good act. It all depends on situation. Lets take an example. We know that breaking rule is being considered as bad.

Now consider a situation in which a person is driving car with a faster speed than prescribed speed limit. He is doing so because he is with his wife who is going through labor pain. To ensure timely reach to hospital it will require him to over speed and also to break some traffic signals.

When we see this act without the knowledge about his wife's condition then we will consider him as a culprit. A good act is something which brings positive results without causing harm to some one. A lie can be better than truth if it saves somebody's life and brings happiness to his/her life.

If we call a blind person as blind then basically we are speaking truth but will that truth be considered as good? Answer is no. A good act always brings smile to many faces. It spreads positivity in society. It remains filled with gist of virtue and morality.

Existence of God can not be proved scientifically but emotional and spiritual methods explain his existence in a perplex manner. Like in the same manner goodness is something which can not be bind in word limits. It has various dimensions and it can not be linked to someone's liking and disliking.