Phil 141: Final Paper

In Plato’s dialogue Euthyhpro, the character of Euthyphro defends a version of “Divine

Command Theory” or DCT. This is the view that right and wrong are wholly determined
by what the gods or God judge(s) to be right or wrong. In Euthyphro’s version, the claim
is that what is “pious” or “impious” is explained by what is loved or hated by the gods.
Many religions uphold some version of DCT on the grounds that God is the creator of all;
hence, it is God who decides which actions are right and which actions are wrong.

However, the character of Socrates in the Euthyphro raises a very serious problem for
DCT concerning “explanatory priority.” (The term comes from Jeffrey Kaplan’s video on
the Euthyphro, which is posted on Moodle.) Religious philosophers, such as J.M. Idziak,
have tried to resolve this problem—but do they succeed?

In an essay of less than 2000 words, please present Socrates’ concern and assess the
proposed solution from Idziak. More precisely, we would like you to write a paper with
the following four parts:

(1) After introducing the basic question, please present in detail Socrates’ worry
about explanatory priority. In this part of the paper, be sure to tell us why,
according to Socrates, DCT does not really explain why something is pious. (See
especially the bottom of p. 17 of the pdf “Plato – Euthyphro” on Moodle.)

(2) Next, present in detail why Idziak thinks that being loved (or “willed”) by God
can explain the rightness of an action. Note especially that she argues against
Socrates’ insinuation that DCT would make the rightness of an action seem
arbitrary. (See again Kaplan’s video for more on this “arbitrariness” issue.)

(3) Then, offer the strongest reply that Socrates could give to Idziak’s argument in
(2). In this part of the paper, we do NOT want you to merely repeat Socrates’
argument from part (1), but rather identify a defect in the argument from (2).

(4) End with some arguments about whether the reply in (3) is successful.
Specifically:

 If you think the reply is NOT successful, please explain why. Again, do
not merely repeat the problem from part (1), but rather identify a defect in
the reply from (3)

 On the other hand, if you think the reply in (3) is successful, then (i)
consider a complaint that someone else might have about it, and (ii) show
how that complaint is unwarranted.

(Parts (3) and (4) are to help ensure that you apply the method of “dialectic” in
your paper.)

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 Caution: This is NOT a research paper. In fact, we discourage the use of secondary
sources for this class, as they can often be more confusing than enlightening. However,
we encourage you to try out your ideas on your fellow students before you write up a
final draft. But make sure that if you use someone else’s idea, you give them proper credit
(e.g., in a footnote).

Also, please take note that is not a “book report” type paper. Rather, we want you to
present an issue for the purpose of using dialectical method. Among other things, this
means presenting only ONE reply in part (3), and evaluating ONLY that one reply in part
(4). Basically, we want you to pursue one issue in depth, rather than pursue several issues
superficially.

Accordingly, we regard parts (3) and (4) as the most important parts of your paper, so we
would expect them to be longer than just a paragraph or two. In particular, part (4) should
be the culmination of your discussion, rather than just a few brief, closing remarks.

Don’t be disheartened if you find sections (3) and (4) particularly difficult. We’re asking
you to come up with your own arguments which requires a bit of ingenuity and thought
on your part. We’re not asking for decisive arguments; in fact, the best papers are often
those that can argue both sides of an issue, and consequently fail to come up with a
simple conclusion. We’re mainly looking to see that you can apply the method of
dialectic on your own. (But of course, we’re here to help if you are having trouble.)

Consequently, we are not grading you on the answer you give, but on how effectively you
use dialectical method to explore a single issue in depth. However, your grade will also
be determined partly by the usual qualities of a good essay: A well-formulated thesis
statement, organization, clarity, etc. See also the handout “Advice on Writing” on Moodle
for further guidance.

It is worth mentioning that, in the past, the two biggest problems in students’ essays have
been:
a. Presenting more than one reply in part (3) and/or evaluating more
than one reply in part (4).
b. Not explaining in enough detail the points made in parts (3) and
(4).

The final draft must be submitted on Moodle before 5pm on Friday, April 30th. Early
submissions are appreciated however.

Final bit of advice: Be clear. Be as clear as the morning air. Be as crystal clear as a
mountain stream in the springtime when the snow is melting and the saplings are
budding. Clear.

This study source was downloaded by 100000841880061 from CourseHero.com on 03-19-2022 04:10:14 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/91031702/Euthyphro-paper-reviseddoc/
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