An Expansion of Euthypho’s Dilemma
A dilemma is defined as a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones. One philosophical dilemma that has remained culturally significant is the Euthyphro dilemma. The dilemma was first proposed in Plato's dialogue Euthyphro, in which Socrates asks Euthyphro, " Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?" Translated, this question asks "Is what is morally good commanded by God because it is morally good, or is it morally good because it is commanded by God?" In this essay I will explain and elaborate on the consequences of both options of the dilemma.
The first choice of the dilemma (that which is morally good is commanded by God because it is morally good) suggests that there are independent moral standards, which God himself cannot alter. While this perspective gives purpose to the concept of morality, it challenges the properties and abilities of an omnipotent god such as the Christian god defined by the Bible. For instance, if moral standards exist that are independent from God, then there is something God himself cannot control. Instead of God controlling the known universe, God is instead controlled by these moral standards. In addition, God’s righteousness depends upon how closely he follows these moral standards. Therefore, God is restricted in his power and denied his free will if he is to be righteous. Secondly, if moral standards exist that are independent of God, then morality would maintain its authenticity without the need of a God. In this view, God is not the creator of moral laws, but instead only carries the message of what is moral to his followers. The later role is far less significant than the former, and goes against the usual conception of God.
The second choice of the dilemma (that which is morally good is good because it is commanded by God) suggests that there are no moral standards other than the will of God. Although this belief may be more consistent with some religious beliefs, it also has many complications. If no morality exists other than that commanded by God, then all of morality becomes arbitrary because God’s actions could always redefine what is and isn’t moral. This would mean that morality is not based on logic or reason, but instead only the thoughts, actions, or desires of a single entity. This idea that morality is arbitrary and only dependent upon God’s will would mean that anything could become moral or immoral, simply because God commands it to be such. Therefore, if God commanded us to kill whenever given the chance or to steal whenever it would benefit us financially, then everyone would follow such commandments because they would be morally correct.
So as one can see, there are issues with both choices of the dilemma, and ultimately no objectively correct answer can be found. However, Euthyphro’s Dilemma has remained a common and polarizing case for debate among people for generation.