Euthyphro Dilemma

Definition

The Euthyphro Dilemma is a philosophical question posed by Plato that explores the nature of morality in relation to divine command. It asks whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good, challenging the understanding of divine attributes and moral values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Euthyphro Dilemma raises significant questions about God's relationship with morality, suggesting potential issues for Divine Command Theory.
2. If good is defined solely by God's commands, then morality may seem arbitrary, leading to the problem of moral relativism.
3. Alternatively, if God commands actions because they are inherently good, this implies that there is a standard of goodness independent of God.
4. The dilemma has implications for understanding divine attributes, particularly omnibenevolence, as it forces a re-evaluation of what it means for God to be good.
5. Philosophers throughout history have debated the implications of the Euthyphro Dilemma, influencing contemporary discussions on ethics and theology.

Review Questions

• How does the Euthyphro Dilemma challenge Divine Command Theory?
  • The Euthyphro Dilemma poses a critical challenge to Divine Command Theory by questioning whether actions are moral simply because God commands them. If morality depends entirely on God's will, it may appear arbitrary, as any act could be deemed 'good' if commanded by God. Conversely, if God's commands align with a pre-existing standard of goodness, this suggests that morality exists independently of divine authority, undermining the foundation of Divine Command Theory.
• Discuss the implications of the Euthyphro Dilemma for the concept of divine omnibenevolence.
  • The Euthyphro Dilemma raises important questions regarding divine omnibenevolence by suggesting two conflicting views on goodness. If God defines good solely through His commands, then His benevolence can seem capricious or lacking a moral framework. However, if God acts in accordance with an independent standard of goodness, it challenges the notion that He is the ultimate source of moral values. This dilemma forces a deeper examination of how we understand God's nature and the essence of moral goodness.
• Evaluate how the Euthyphro Dilemma influences modern debates in metaethics and ethics.
  • The Euthyphro Dilemma significantly influences modern debates in metaethics by prompting discussions about the nature of moral truths and their relationship to divinity. It challenges philosophers to reconsider whether ethical standards can exist outside religious frameworks or if they are inherently tied to divine authority. This ongoing dialogue affects contemporary ethical theories, such as secular moral realism, and has led to diverse perspectives on how we construct moral reasoning in a pluralistic society where religious beliefs vary widely.

Related terms

Divine Command Theory: The ethical theory that posits that what is morally right is determined by God's commands.

Moral Realism: The view that there are objective moral facts and values that exist independently of human beliefs or perceptions.

Metaethics: The branch of philosophy that seeks to understand the nature, status, and foundations of moral values and ethical theories.