1. Plato’s Euthyphro PAR 101: Invitation to Philosophical Thinking Walter Thomas Schmid, Ph.D. Philosophy and Religion, UNCW

2. Plato’s Euthyphro Philosophical drama= set in Athens in 399 BCPhilosophical drama= set in Athens in 399 BC CharactersCharacters –Socrates, famous philosopher –Euthyphro, “Mr. Orthodox” Background:Background: –Greek polytheistic religion –Socrates accused of impiety by Anytus and Meletus –Euthyphro charging his father with ‘pollution’, religious crime

3. Socratic Inquiry (Starts from a real situation) 1.Seeks definition of a moral concept, e.g. What is X? (What is piety? justice?) 2.Examination of defn  refutation through self- contradiction (elenchus) 3.Progress  more insightful definitions 4.Ends in perplexity (aporia), should  realization by the interlocuter he doesn’t know, begin search for wisdom.

4. Socratic Dialectic = test of self-knowled ge Anyone one who enters into conversation with Socrates is liable to be drawn into a philosophical inquiry; and whatever subject he may start, at last he finds that he has to give an account of his present and past life; and when he is once entangled, Socrates will not let him go until he has completely and thoroughly tested him to determine if he knows what he is talking about –i.e. if he knows himself. LACHES 187Anyone one who enters into conversation with Socrates is liable to be drawn into a philosophical inquiry; and whatever subject he may start, at last he finds that he has to give an account of his present and past life; and when he is once entangled, Socrates will not let him go until he has completely and thoroughly tested him to determine if he knows what he is talking about –i.e. if he knows himself. LACHES 187

5. The search for moral definitions Moral skepticism There are no real definitions of moral terms -- they are “essentially contested” There’s no objective method to discuss moral & religious belief There are no “compelling reasons” to accept one definition over another Moral discussion is useless and a waste of time! Socratic rationalism There may be real definitions of moral terms, we cannot assume that there are none There is an objective method to discuss moral & religious belief There are compelling reasons for rejecting some definitions (self-contradiction) Moral discussion is necessary for a good life

6. What is a “definition”? Verbal Definition Dictionary meaning – how different people understand it More than one meaning May not apply to all instances May not state essence Disagreement is normal Real Definition Normative meaning— how all people ought to understand it One true meaning Applies to all true instances States essence Ideal of rational agreement

7. Definitions in Euthyphro: to hosion (the ‘truly religious’) is: 1. Prosecuting the wicked (5d) 2a. What is loved by or dear to the gods (7a)  2b. what is loved by or dear to all the gods (9e) 3a. Caretaking of the gods (12e)  3b. Serving the gods, as servants to masters (13d) 4.  Know how to pray and sacrifice (14c) 1.Not ‘universal’ 2.?s re: external standard 1.?’s re: Greek gods disagree 2.?’s re: God/theology and morality 3.? re: purpose of p- action: who is benefitted, what end does it serve? 4.  ? re: knowledge of ‘truly religious’ service, what to bring about

8. First Definitions #1:“Prosecute the Wicked” Euthyphro’s justification – “textual proof”Euthyphro’s justification – “textual proof” Socrates’ response-- his view of the Greek godsSocrates’ response-- his view of the Greek gods One concept—many types of P-actionsOne concept—many types of P-actions #2a: “Loved by the Gods” Socrates on “contested terms” Polytheistic religion and conflict among the gods Definition of any virtue must be a ‘guide to conduct’

9. Definition 2b (#3) “What all the gods love” Unity of the gods  one God, monotheismUnity of the gods  one God, monotheism Definition answers first two objectionsDefinition answers first two objections But is it a good definition of what makes an action or person ‘pious’?But is it a good definition of what makes an action or person ‘pious’? Question: “Is it pious because all the gods love it, or do they love it because it is pious?” (10a) Compare: Did she win the race because the judges said so, or ….? P b/c gods love it = external relation; gods love it b/c p = internal to person or act

11. Theological Voluntarism vs. Rationalism “It cannot be that God wills it because it is right. For then what is right would be above God and God would not be all-powerful!”“It cannot be that God wills it because it is right. For then what is right would be above God and God would not be all-powerful!” “It cannot be right because God wills it: for then if He changed his mind, what is right today could be wrong tomorrow!”

12. Morality and God Divine Command Theory X is right/good b/c God says so But how can this be why X is right? Implies if God says so, what is right can change Implies there is nothing intrinsic to the act/person that makes it right Rational Ethics Theory X is right/good for some reason This reason is intrinsic to the act/person, e.g. –Fulfills promise –Causes good not harm What is right does not change Right doesn’t depend on how others see it

13. 3rd Definition – a and b (#4, 5) 3a: “Caretaking of the gods” (from Greek therapeia, ‘cult’ of ritual, honoring) Concept of honoring the gods, ancestorsConcept of honoring the gods, ancestors Ritual service led by priestsRitual service led by priests Socrates’ analogy to caretaking of animals, cropsSocrates’ analogy to caretaking of animals, crops Euthyphro’s answer and the problem of the dialogueEuthyphro’s answer and the problem of the dialogue 3b: “Seeking to serve the gods” (human servants to divine Lords) Ancient model of pious servant to Divine Lord Socratic “service” =? Analogy to servant of master-artist and Euthyphro’s answer Socrates uses in Apology

14. 4th definition: Know how to pray and sacrifice Euthyphro thinks of human-god relations as exchanges:Euthyphro thinks of human-god relations as exchanges: –sacrifices to the gods are to get good things from them –if we have nothing the gods need, there can’t be real exchange How is the definition related to religious service?How is the definition related to religious service? –Do we need to know how to do our religious duty—what good to bring about—to pray for the right things, and give back what the gods want? –Is our religious duty = to seek to know the good? –If we know and do this, do we still need to be ‘pious’?

15. Further Questions If there is no ‘objective answer’ to the questions in the Euthyphro, can there be a real benefit to discussing religion? Is it important is it to reflect on questions of religion and ethics?If there is no ‘objective answer’ to the questions in the Euthyphro, can there be a real benefit to discussing religion? Is it important is it to reflect on questions of religion and ethics? What do you think of Socrates? Is he a sincere inquirer? Intellectual bully? Teacher of hearts and minds?What do you think of Socrates? Is he a sincere inquirer? Intellectual bully? Teacher of hearts and minds? What do you think of his method of inquiry and philosophizing? Seeking definitions? Giving good reasons for your beliefs?What do you think of his method of inquiry and philosophizing? Seeking definitions? Giving good reasons for your beliefs?

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17. Religious Anger ? You and a friend watch a public speaker. He is quoting the Bible, and attacking the sex life of students—saying they will “go to hell” for “fornication” and “lust.” Walking away, your friend says, “Boy, is he religious.” You’re not so sure—is he?You and a friend watch a public speaker. He is quoting the Bible, and attacking the sex life of students—saying they will “go to hell” for “fornication” and “lust.” Walking away, your friend says, “Boy, is he religious.” You’re not so sure—is he?

18. Religious charity? Later the same day, you and another friend are in a poor area, where you see a nun helping in a clinic for children. “Look at her,” your friend says. “Now that is really religious.” Do you agree?Later the same day, you and another friend are in a poor area, where you see a nun helping in a clinic for children. “Look at her,” your friend says. “Now that is really religious.” Do you agree?

19. What is “religious”? – Part II But another friend says, “You have to distinguish genuine religion and idolatry or power- worship. You aren’t truly religious unless you have the true concept of God. Being truly religious is like being holy or pure: you have to be inspired by the right spirit and ideas.”

20. What is “religious”? – Part II You and your friend agree “there are many different religions, and different ways of being religious.” Your friend adds, “In fact, ‘being religious’ is just believing in some absolute, having faith in something more than just personal choice.”