1. Plato’s Euthyphro Dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro (“Mr. Straight-head”) Literature, not history Dialogue has three parts: Prologue: sets the scene Logos: philosophical inquiry on “Piety” Epilogue: conclusion

2. Part I: Prologue Greek religion: Many gods, who disagree Religion = social foundation Presocratics/Sophists: questioned gods’ existence doubted piety = a virtue Dialogue background: Euthyphro vs. relatives Charges vs. Socrates

3. Part II: Logos: inquiry Socrates seeks definition of to hosion = “the pious, truly religious” Method = dialectical cross- examination or elenchus Result = aporia, “perplexity” or “puzzlement”

4. Definitions of Piety Prosecuting the wicked ( 5d ) What is loved by or dear to the gods ( 7a ) What is loved by all the gods ( 9e ) Caretaking of the gods ( 12e ) Serving the gods, as servants do masters ( 13d ) Know how to pray and sacrifice ( 14c )

5. Two Types of Belief: Socrates tries to lead us from A to B A. Unexamined belief - without reasons B. Examined belief - with reasons

6. The Euthyphro Dilemma Is it right because God wills it, or does God will it because it is right? Rationalists: “It cannot be right because God wills it: for then if He changed his mind, what is right today could be wrong tomorrow!” Voluntarists: “It cannot be God wills it because it is right: for then what is right would be above God and God would not be all-powerful!”

7. Socrates and the Gods Does Socrates reject the gods of Athens? Does the Euthyphro dilemma  a paradox at the core of theology? Does Socrates affirm piety as service to good and wise gods? Does the philosopher have any need/use for religion?

8. Part III: Epilogue Does Euthyphro learn anything? E.g. that he “does not know”? Does the Euthyphro teach anything? E.g. that piety is not “loved by gods”, or that we should question faiths? What it is to be “truly religious”? Should we think there is no answer? “Serve the gods”? something else?