In: Psychology
Do you think Euthyphro is doing the right thing?
*Euthyphro. Socrates method and the question of using Gods to judge human affairs
Euthyphro is a dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro which is also termed as Euthyphro’s dilemma. Socrates is treating him as his teacher and Euthyphro agrees that he knows all about ethics. Socrates asks four questions and after each answer Socrates questions back thus making Euthrypho think. It is an inconclusive dialogue because Socrates lets the readers make their own conclusions.
Socrates asks what is holy or piety? Euphythro answers that holy is what Gods agree. Socrates denies it by saying that Gods often disagree among themselves, so this wouldn’t be a definition.
The second explanation that Euthypro comes up with is if something is approved by Gods, it’s holy. Socrates asks him that whether something become holy because it’s approved by God or something is holy, so Gods approve them.
The third explanation given by Euthyphro is that holy is looking after Gods or taking care of them. Socrates says that Gods are so powerful that they can look after themselves and they don’t need mortal human beings to look after them.
The final point Euthyphro gives is that it’s reciprocal by trading something in order to get something from the Gods through offerings and sacrifices. Socrates says that they are going back to the second argument that is something should be approved by Gods in order for it to become holy. The offering should accepted by Gods.
Although Euthyphro began as teacher who knows everything in the beginning, it was Socrates who with his questions make him feel that there is plenty to think.