Euthyphro Problem Analysis

The Euthyphro Problem

The Euthyphro Problem is named after a particular conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro in Plato’s dialogue “Euthyphro.” This dialogue focuses on the argument between Socrates and Euthyphro about the meaning of piety held outside the court of Athens. Euthyphro was about to prosecute his own father for murdering a slave that was himself a murderer. When Socrates questioned him about whether his actions are right, Euthyphro brings the word piety into the conversation. Socrates asks him to explain the meaning of such a word. Euthyphro first, tells him that “is what he is doing.” But, Socrates replies to him that he wants the meaning and not an example of a pious action. In response to Socrates’ questioning, Euthyphro’s defines piety as “what is dear to the gods” (7a) or

Socrates then asks whether what is pious is pious because it is loved by the gods, or whether the gods love what is pious because it is pious. Euthyphro answers that the gods love it because it is pious. This makes piety independent of the gods’ love, and something would be pious whether or not the gods love it. Socrates objects that this cannot be right. What is dear to the gods is dear to them because it is loved by them, not loved by them because it is dear to them. If piety is what is dear to the gods, piety must be dear to them because they love it. The thought is that what the god’s value, they value because they love that thing. Socrates also, points out the differences between the Gods and what is loved by some of them is hated by another gods. Therefore, what is pious to some gods would be impious to another gods. Euthyphro suggests that “it is concerned with the care of the gods”. This requires that we learn how to please them in prayers and sacrifices. This does not bring them any benefit; it simply pleases them. But then, Socrates points out that piety once more becomes whatever pleases the gods, and what is pious is pious