Euthyphro Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Euthyphro - Essay Example So Euthyphro gives his second response, which states that piety is what is dear to the gods, and impiety is that which is not. However, Socrates’ problem with this definition is: what if the gods disagree among themselves? Some gods may agree that my act is pious and some may claim it as impious. My act cannot be both pious and impious for that would lead to a contradiction. So Euthyphro gave his third response: what all the gods love is pious and holy, and what they hate is impious. However, Socrates asks, â€Å"is the pious or holy beloved by the gods because it is holy, or holy because it is beloved of the gods?† Euthyphro answers, that: Piety or holiness is that part of justice, which belongs to the gods alone. Socrates was still unsatisfied with this response so Euthyphro goes on by elucidating his point further. Herein, Euthyphro claims that piety or holiness is learning how to please the gods through ones words and actions, such as when one does gives prayers and sacrifices. However, Socrates thinks that Euthyphro’s answer leads him back to where they started, and so Socrates begins again by asking him what piety really meant. However, Euthyphro had to leave and so the discussion ended.