Euthyphro and the Apology

¶ … Euthyphro's fourth and fifth definition of holiness and Socrates criticism of them. What is Socrates and Euthyphro's view of the gods, in contrast to Euthyphro's initial characterization of the gods at the start of their conversation? Finally relate the discussion of the fifth definition of holiness to the claim Socrates makes about the relationship to 'the god' in the Apology.

At first, over the course of his fourth definition Euthyphro advocates that he would turn in a relation of his, if that relation committed an ill act, because he would strive in all things to obey the will of the gods. Then, finally, in his fifth definition Euthyphro states that "let me simply say that piety or holiness is learning, how to please the gods in word and deed, by prayers and sacrifices.

Such piety is the salvation of families and states, just as the impious, which is unpleasing to the gods, is their ruin and destruction." In other words, Euthyphro advocates following the rules of the city and commonly accepted filial and religious law, out of frustration with arguing with the philosopher. At first, Euthyphro defines holiness as what is pleasing to the gods. But Socrates first points out that the gods often transgress in myth, these upstanding moral laws.

What is more important, says Socrates, is to act in such a fashion that is good, and if one is good, then surely one will be pleasing and moral to the gods. Euthyphro first relies upon legal definitions and abstract moral principles of what is right, when arguing with Socrates. This is why he at first states that he would turn in his own father, if he found the man had committed an unjust action. However, finally, he relies upon common custom and morality as a definition of moral goodness.

Socrates, however, seeks a higher definition upon principle, and thus he appeals not to the conventional concepts of the gods in myth and the laws of the nation-state, but to a higher and more idealized conception of the divine in his "Apology," a conception of the divinity that is not encapsulated in either common civic or religious and filial laws.

1) What is Euthyphro's 1st definition of holiness, and why does Socrates object to that definition? At first, Euthyphro states that "Piety is doing as I am doing; that is to say, prosecuting any one who is guilty of murder, sacrilege, or of any similar crime-whether he be your father or mother, or whoever he may be-that makes no difference; and not to prosecute them is impiety." In other words, piety is to act impartially like the Gods, although as Socrates points out, "do you really believe that the gods, fought with one another, and had dire quarrels, battles, and the like, as the poets say, and as you may see represented in the works of great artists?" The gods are cruel, and capricious, at least, in the myths human beings tell.

Rather, it is better to value, "that thing or person which is dear to the gods is pious, and that thing or person which is hateful to the gods is impious, these two being the extreme opposites of one another.

2) In the course of the argument against Euthyphro's 3rd definition of holiness, what is the 'cause - effect' relationship between a) loving and being loved and b) something's being holy and that things being loved by the gods? Do what is right, and achieve the effect of being loved by the gods, rather than do what one things one ought to by the laws of the gods, or acting according to moral principles, simply because these principles are said to be loved by the gods.

"For one (theophiles) is of a kind to be loved cause it is loved, and the other (osion) is loved because it is of a kind to be loved.

Thus you appear to me, Euthyphro, when I ask you what is the essence of holiness, to offer an attribute only, and not the essence -- the attribute of being loved by all the gods." Socrates argues that something like holiness should not be loved because the principle is attributed as one that is loved by the gods, one should act according to principle because it is of a kind that should be loved.

The gods may love what is holy, but we should not love something merely because the gods love it. 3) What is Socrates view of the relationship between holiness and moral rightness? Socrates states that justice is the more extended notion of which piety and holiness is only a part. Justice is the highest virtue, and to be pious is part of justice, but merely to 'stay' at piety is not.