Euthyphro and Plato, Essay Example

In this paradigmatic dialogue Euthyphro makes a claim that the holy is that which is loved by all the gods, therefore equalizing holy and what is approved by the gods. However, Socrates argues his proposition by bringing up the point that the holy can be loved by the gods because it is holy, or it can be holy because it is loved by the gods. In other words, he wanted to say that something might be holy because the gods decided so, or the gods might consider something holy because of something special about it. Consequently, one god may agree with some things that other god will disagree with. If we analyze this claim and first assume that a thing is holy because the gods love it, then we will question the reason for what gods love it. Controversially, if the gods are pleased with something because it is holy, then the proposition that they love it cannot be what makes it holy. Gods’ love and holiness are not identical things, thus the fact that gods love something does not make it holy. Eventually, Euthyphro is forced to accept different point claiming that it is loved because it is holy, and not that it is holy because it is loved by gods. Plato’s objection and reasoning appears to be pretty convincing for he provides evidential support. I think this dilemma occurred as a result of Euthyphro reasoning and line of thinking, which actually created a circular argument. Therefore, he could not find the way around Plato’s reasoning for all his arguments would actually lead to his initial claim bringing up the same argument again.

Works Cited

Plato, and George Grube. Plato: Five Dialogues. 2^nd ed. Hackett Publishing, 2002.

Plato, Tredennick, Hugh, and Harold Tarrant. The Last Days of Socrates. Penguin Classics, 2003.