TL;DR
Book 1 of Plato’s Complete Works likely refers to “Euthyphro,” a Socratic dialogue that delves into the nature of piety and its relationship with the divine. The dialogue explores questions of morality, justice, and the very essence of religious understanding. Euthyphro, a self-proclaimed expert in religious matters, encounters Socrates and engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the true definition of piety.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
Plato (c. 428/427 – 348/347 BCE) was an Athenian philosopher during the Classical period in Ancient Greece, and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. He is widely considered the pivotal figure in the development of Western philosophy. His writings explored justice, beauty and equality, and also contained discussions in aesthetics, political philosophy, theology, cosmology, epistemology and the philosophy of language. Plato’s writings are in the form of dialogues, where characters discuss a topic by asking and answering questions; it is generally believed that many of the characters are based on real people, including Plato’s teacher, Socrates. Plato’s most famous work is the Republic, which details a wise society run by philosopher kings.
Key Takeaways
The Nature of Piety
The central theme of the dialogue revolves around the question of what constitutes piety. Socrates challenges Euthyphro’s understanding of piety as simply doing what is pleasing to the gods. He argues that true piety must have a deeper, more universal foundation.
The Euthyphro Dilemma
Socrates presents Euthyphro with a dilemma: “Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?” This dilemma highlights the difficulty of defining piety in relation to the whims of the gods and raises questions about the objectivity of moral values.
Socratic Method
The dialogue exemplifies Plato’s use of the Socratic method, a form of inquiry and debate that involves asking probing questions to expose contradictions and stimulate critical thinking. Through this method, Socrates guides Euthyphro towards a deeper understanding of his own beliefs.
Justice and the Divine
The dialogue explores the relationship between piety and justice. Socrates suggests that true piety is not merely about rituals and offerings but is intimately connected to the pursuit of justice and moral excellence.
Knowledge and Virtue
Euthyphro’s confidence in his own knowledge of piety is contrasted with Socrates’ pursuit of wisdom through questioning. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-examination and intellectual humility in the pursuit of truth.
Religious Beliefs
The dialogue raises questions about the nature of religious beliefs and the authority of religious figures. Euthyphro’s claims about the gods and their actions are subjected to scrutiny, prompting reflection on the basis of religious knowledge.
Ethical Relativism
The Euthyphro dilemma can be seen as a precursor to discussions of ethical relativism, the idea that moral values are relative to individuals or cultures. The dialogue challenges the notion that piety is simply a matter of opinion or divine decree.
Philosophical Inquiry
”Euthyphro” serves as an introduction to philosophical inquiry, encouraging readers to question their own assumptions and engage in critical reflection on fundamental concepts like piety, justice, and the nature of the divine.
FAQ about Plato: Complete Works
What is the main argument of Euthyphro?
The main argument of Euthyphro is to explore the nature of piety and challenge conventional understandings of its relationship with the divine. Socrates argues that true piety must have a deeper foundation than simply pleasing the gods and that it is intimately connected to the pursuit of justice and moral excellence.
What is the Euthyphro dilemma?
The Euthyphro dilemma is a question posed by Socrates: “Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?” This dilemma highlights the difficulty of defining piety in relation to the whims of the gods and raises questions about the objectivity of moral values.
How does Euthyphro relate to other works by Plato?
Euthyphro is one of Plato’s early dialogues, and it shares thematic connections with other works such as the Apology, Crito, and Republic. These dialogues explore similar themes of justice, virtue, and the relationship between individuals and society.
Plato: Complete Works Quotes
- ”Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?"
- "The point, Euthyphro, is not whether the beloved is pleasant but whether the pleasant is beloved."
- "And what is dear to the gods is loved by them, and is in a state to be loved of them because it is loved of them? ”