Euthyphro Dilemma

Definition

The Euthyphro dilemma is a philosophical question that examines the relationship between morality and the divine. It asks whether moral actions are good because they are commanded by the gods, or if the gods command them because they are inherently good.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Euthyphro dilemma was first posed by Plato in his dialogue 'Euthyphro', where Socrates questions Euthyphro's views on piety.
2. The dilemma highlights the potential conflict between moral objectivism (the view that moral truths exist independently of the divine) and divine command theory.
3. If moral actions are good because they are commanded by the gods, then morality is arbitrary and based solely on the whims of the divine.
4. If the gods command moral actions because they are inherently good, then morality exists independently of the divine, which challenges divine command theory.
5. The Euthyphro dilemma raises questions about the source and nature of moral values, and whether they are grounded in reason, divine command, or something else.

Review Questions

• Explain the central question posed by the Euthyphro dilemma.
  • The Euthyphro dilemma asks whether moral actions are good because they are commanded by the gods, or if the gods command them because they are inherently good. This raises the question of whether morality is dependent on divine command or if it exists independently of the divine, which has significant implications for how we understand the nature and source of moral values.
• Discuss how the Euthyphro dilemma relates to the concept of metaethics.
  • Metaethics is the branch of ethics that investigates the nature, origin, and meaning of moral values and properties. The Euthyphro dilemma is directly relevant to metaethics because it explores the fundamental question of whether morality is grounded in divine command or if it exists independently of the divine. This dilemma challenges the divine command theory and raises questions about moral realism, the view that moral facts and properties exist objectively, regardless of what any individual or culture believes.
• Analyze the implications of the Euthyphro dilemma for our understanding of the relationship between morality and religion.
  • The Euthyphro dilemma highlights the potential tension between morality and religion, particularly the divine command theory. If moral actions are good solely because they are commanded by the gods, then morality becomes arbitrary and based on the whims of the divine. However, if the gods command moral actions because they are inherently good, then morality exists independently of the divine, which challenges the core tenet of divine command theory. This dilemma raises questions about the role of religion in shaping moral values and whether morality can be grounded in something other than divine command, such as reason, intuition, or objective moral facts.

Related terms

Metaethics:

Metaethics is the branch of ethics that investigates the nature, origin, and meaning of moral values and properties.

Divine Command Theory:

The view that moral truths are determined by the commands or nature of God or a divine being.

Moral Realism:

The belief that moral facts and properties exist independently of what any individual or culture believes.