The Euthyphro Problem and Divine Command Theory
Your assignment for the mid-term paper is to write a 4–6-page essay (reminder: a “page” means about 300 words) on one of the following topics. You do not have to indicate which topic you are writing on – this should be made clear from the content of your paper.
Papers must be written on one of the following topics. Your report may automatically earn no credit if it does not follow the subsequent prompts.
Topic 1 – Divine Command Theory & the Euthyphro Problem
In Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro discuss the nature of piety. The conversation rapidly unravels after Euthyphro states that what all the gods love is pious, and all the gods love pious things. This leads to a problem for the view called Divine Command Theory – the view that God or the gods determine(s) what is morally good, and what is morally bad.
Write a paper in which you:
a) Explain the “Euthyphro” problem for Divine Command Theory
o Note – The problem Divine Command Theory faces is somewhat different than the problem Euthyphro himself faces. Be sure to explain the problem for Divine Command Theory.
b) Imagine a plausible way in which the Divine Command Theorist would attempt to respond to the Euthyphro problem
o Your defense should either explain why one “horn’ of the dilemma is not problem or deny the dilemma altogether.
c) Consider an objection someone might offer to the Divine Command Theorist’s argument
d) Determine whether the Divine Command Theorist can successfully defend her view in response to the objection.
o Your assessment should contain some original line of argument. Do not just merely repeat points previously made in the paper.
How to accurately represent an opponent’s views:
- Figure out their conclusion.
An argument consists of a conclusion and reasons (premises) which support that conclusion.
Have to know what they’re trying to prove to respond to their evidence.
2) Determine what the premises are:
If you are going to show someone’s argument doesn’t work, you have to interact with the premises in some way.
Prove invalidity or unsoundness
Invalidity – Show premises don’t guarantee conclusion
Unsoundness – Show there is a false premise
To do this, you have to clearly identify and articulate the premises.
Carefully go through the text and figure out what the author says to back up the conclusion.
3) Identify the support given to the premises
In an argument, most premises are controversial.
Authors spend time supporting their premises
To charitably reconstruct an argument, you should articulate at least some of this support.
Step Two – Formulating a response
Tips for writing a philosophy paper:
● You should have a conclusion at the end of your paper. The conclusion should, essentially, recap the paper.
● Each sentence should be moving your point forward. Do not engage in digressions.
● Be precise with technical language
Terms like valid, sound, morality, ethics, objective, subjective, truth, falsehood, etc. have specific meanings in this class.
● Make sure to include a reference page. Cite page numbers when using a particular quote. Use the numbers + letters in the margins for Plato.
Plato
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Plato
The Euthyphro Problem
The Euthyphro problem is about the opposition regarding the belief that ethics stem from God. A critical example is the Euthyphro dialogue involving Socrates and Euthyphro as they argue about the divine command theory and its ideas. The latter looks forward to seeking justice from the court system by accusing his father of murder, trusting that his action to go to court is relevant before the gods. Socrates is astonished and wants Euthyphro to explain his move. He asks, “Are you pursuing someone who will easily escape you?” (Plato et al. 4). In the end, Socrates doubts Euthyphro’s definition of moral righteousness and the relevance of morality to humanity. The divine command theory claims that the “divine” is a significant source of moral beliefs and principles. It describes ethics and distinguishes it from immorality. The divine is dependent on the Almighty’s commands and traits. Therefore, God is primarily the appropriate authority to give morality its unreserved universal character. The theory claims expect humans to act accordingly and do everything the Creator expects them to do.
In the dilemma problem’s argument, God is considered purposeful. He decides whether an action is right or wrong. The superiority claims that every action may be compulsory as He is in command of every aspect. God’s instructions must determine the appropriate behavior and actions to which every human should relate. In layman’s language, we can conclude that God’s commands are essential in determining what is correct or wrong. The theory’s disapproval derives from the changeability’s contention asserting that, regarding the divine command theory’s affirmation, the choice that is suitable and what is erroneous is arbitrary. The Almighty can make anything obligatory regardless of how terrible the action might be. This symbolizes that the Creator can label something as appropriate, what someone may regard inappropriate from their specific judgment. A thing is moral or immoral since God chooses so, implying that ethics originates from the Almighty’s will. For instance, we can claim that if the Creator chose that a practice such as murder is unacceptable, He may alter his conception to the contrary viewpoint and choose that murder is moral. Provided that the problem’s first part is suitable, it might result in accepting that human morals start without supernatural beings or divinities.
An Objection to the Euthyphro Problem
This is seen through Socrates’ example. He who disagrees with Euthyphro. Specifically, Socrates believed that no gods leading to faith exist. The philosopher wants Euthyphro to explain that if these gods exist, then why do they contradict each other and never have a consensus on, for instance, earthly issues. Due to this certainty, Socrates holds that disagreements among the gods constitute moral or immoral actions. Moreover, different gods believe differently. This creates a conducive environment for them to disagree. Socrates objects to the ideas in the divine command theory by explaining the opposition and disagreements among the different gods. According to Socrates, “surely the gods love the pious because it is pious.” He claims that indi...