Ethics and Moral Reasoning

Ethics and Moral Reasoning

Introduction

The Euthyphro was an early dialogue between a Greek religious prophet Euthyphro and a Greek philosopher Socrates. The dialogue came into place after 399 B.C. near the King Archon's court. The Greek philosopher Socrates was on trial due to his activities that raised corruption in the Greek youth (Athens). He diverted the people from the belief in Gods. This dialogue occurred as a result of these factors between Euthyphro and Socrates. Euthyphro's father was also on trial for the reason of murdering a slave, which he did not. This dialogue is called “The Euthyphro Argument”.

Concept of Holiness and its Prominence in the Conversation

In this dialogue, a concept of holiness emerges which also takes a prominent position while the conversation between the two persons. Socrates asked Euthyphro to guide and consult him for the concept of holiness. The reason behind this dialogue and its emergence was that as per Socrates perception these teachings might help him in the trial. At the initial phase, Socrates was unsatisfied because Euthyphro suggested him that the concept of holiness prosecutes offenders. For Socrates, there were many more deeds (holy) apart the suggestion of prosecuting offenders. Socrates asked Euthyphro to guide him for a general definition that share mutual elements among multiple holy deeds. Socrates argued by saying that Gods often quarrel due to a different level of acceptance and agreeability.

The major concept about holiness took place in the conversation after the concept of mutual acceptance among the Gods. Socrates demanded for elaboration to prove that there can never be this much equivalency among the Gods. Euthyphro referred holiness as a form of justice. This concept specifically stated the words “looking after the Gods” which turned into a matter of concern by Socrates. The final argument between the ...