An Analysis of Plato’s Euthyphro

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An Analysis of Plato’s Euthyphro
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October 12, 2022
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.
Additionally, a divine command believed is persuaded that having faith in God stimulates a person to follow or adhere to the stipulated moral values. People also observe ethical standards since they are formed or derived from God’s image. Therefore, God is primarily the appropriate authority to give morality its unreserved universal character. The theory claims to 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. It posits that only God is responsible for determining whatever is right and what is not correct. This statement implies that all actions are obligatory since God is always in control and command. Therefore, it is wise to conclude that all the Almighty’s commands should decide whichever steps are right or wrong. In the most straightforward language, whatever is right or wrong depends on God’s instructions
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 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 differen...