Overview
This lecture discusses Plato's "Euthyphro," focusing on Socrates’ inquiry into the nature of piety and its definition, using Euthyphro’s prosecution of his own father as a case study.
Background: Socrates and Euthyphro's Cases
- Socrates is at the porch of the king awaiting trial for impiety, accused by Meletos.
- Euthyphro is prosecuting his own father for murder, claiming this is a pious act.
The Search for the Definition of Piety
- Socrates asks Euthyphro to define piety (holiness) and impiety (unholiness).
- Euthyphro gives examples, not a general definition—prosecuting wrongdoers, even family, is pious.
The Euthyphro Dilemma
- Euthyphro claims piety is what is loved by the gods, and impiety is what is hated.
- Socrates points out the gods disagree; some things may be loved by some gods, hated by others.
- Euthyphro revises: pious is what all the gods love; impious is what all gods hate.
- Socrates asks: is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?
- Socrates shows these are different: being pious and being loved by the gods are not the same.
Piety as Part of Justice
- Socrates and Euthyphro agree piety is a part of justice.
- Euthyphro says piety is the part of justice concerned with attending to the gods.
- Socrates examines whether "attending" means benefiting the gods, which Euthyphro denies.
Piety as Service to the Gods
- Euthyphro suggests piety is service to the gods, like slaves to masters.
- Socrates asks what this service accomplishes for the gods.
- Euthyphro says piety is giving honor, admiration, and gratitude to the gods, which is dear to them but does not benefit them.
Cycle of Definitions and Lack of Resolution
- Socrates points out Euthyphro's definitions keep circling back without fully answering the question.
- Euthyphro eventually leaves without providing a satisfactory definition.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Piety (holiness) — That which is loved by all the gods or is associated with justice concerning the gods.
- Impiety (unholiness) — That which is hated by all the gods or is unjust concerning the gods.
- Euthyphro Dilemma — The question of whether something is pious because the gods love it, or the gods love it because it is pious.
- Justice — Broadly, doing what is right; piety is considered a subset focused on divine matters.
- Impiety — Lack of respect for, or offense against, the gods.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the distinctions between piety, impiety, and justice.
- Reflect on the Euthyphro Dilemma and its implications.
- Prepare examples of actions that could be considered pious or impious and justify them using Socratic questioning.