|
||
Definition:
The Euthyphro Dilemma is set forth in Plato's The Last Days of Socrates. In the dialogue
between Socrates and Euthyphro, the following exchange occurs:
EUTHYPHRO: Well, I should certainly say that what's holy is whatever all the gods approve of, and that its opposite, what all the gods disprove of, is unholy...
SOCRATES: We'll soon be in better position to judge, my good chap. Consider the following point: is the holy approved by the gods because it's holy, or is it holy because it's approved?'
If we replace "holy" with "moral," we have the modern debate over just how, and even if, theism can constitute a justification or support for morality. Although many theists believe their God to be the ground of morality, what does this mean in practice? Does it simply mean that whatever God wills is good and trustworthy? If so, then it simply means that morality and God are arbitrary. God could declare that rape and killing are moral and we wouldn't be able to argue against it.
On the other hand, if God simply wills what God knows to be moral, then that means that God is following some independent standard of morality, separate from God. God is, then, not the ground of morality but simply another interpreter of morality.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What are Ethics and Morality?
Ethics is the formal study of moral standards and conduct. For this reason, the study of ethics is also often called "moral philosophy." What is good? What is evil? How should I behave - and why? How should I balance my needs against the needs of others?What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
