In
Socrates’ encounter with Euthyphro, it becomes clear that Euthyphro, who
believes he is teaching Socrates, is actually being taught. He is so sure of
his knowledge of the gods that he is willing to bring a charge against his own
father. Socrates began poking holes in Euthyphro’s argument by simply
questioning his definition of holiness. If something is holy because it is approved
of by the gods, then what makes the gods deem it such? The definition is
insufficient and leads to a circle of further questions. The conversation ends
almost abruptly, with no actual conclusion concerning what holiness is. To me,
this reflects the nature of the changing gods they worshipped. They are fickle
like humans, and this calls into question whether they can be the standard for
true holiness or not. And if there is no solid standard for holiness or justice
besides the changing gods, then how can any form of justice be trustworthy in
that scenario?
I commented on Dallas and Briana's.
I commented on Dallas and Briana's.
It seems that Socrates was the only one of his kind to realize the fickelness of the gods and therefore doubt their holiness. I wonder how the other philosophers would have reacted if they had actually given this thought a chance instead of immediately brusing it off as blasphemous? What if they had believed Socrates, what would have happened to the society that they lived in that was so desperate on keeping the gods pleased an honored?
ReplyDeleteExactly! It is kind of humorous that Socrates ends up interrogating Euthyphro, rather than Euthyphro teaching Socrates like it was in the beginning of the dialogue. I appreciate your point where you argue that the abrupt end of the conversation mirrors the fickleness of the nature of the gods - I did not consider that until you said it.
ReplyDeleteGreat point Hannah! I also like your question, Abigail. I think that if people had listened to Socrates, they would have started searching for the truth. I also believe that they would have been successful because they would have chosen to no longer be blinded by their belief in their fickle gods.
ReplyDeleteIt seems always that, with Socrates, whom seeks to be taught something new, is the one teaching his would-be teacher something Socrates already figured out or at least can quickly discern issues with.
ReplyDeleteSo many times we find fault in the gods of Olympus. It shows that there is no way that imperfect beings can rule other imperfect beings without issues and eventually destruction on some scale.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your post. How do the Greeks value the opinion of an imperfect god?
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