#Plato's Dialogues

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Euthyphro Dilemma

The Euthyphro Dilemma, originating from Plato's dialogue "Euthyphro," presents a significant philosophical problem regarding the nature of morality and its relationship to divine command. This dilemma poses a fundamental question about whether moral values are commanded by gods because they are inherently good, or whether they are good because they are commanded by gods. This issue remains relevant in contemporary discussions about the foundations of ethics and the intersection of religion and morality.

The Dilemma Explained

In Plato's dialogue, Socrates encounters Euthyphro, who claims to have a deep understanding of piety and impiety. Socrates asks Euthyphro to define piety, leading to the famous question: "Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?"

This question can be reformulated as:

Divine Command Theory: Are moral actions good because they are commanded by the gods?

Moral Realism: Are moral actions commanded by the gods because they are inherently good?

Each horn of the dilemma presents challenges:

If moral actions are good because they are commanded by the gods (Divine Command Theory), then morality appears arbitrary. Anything could be deemed morally right or wrong based solely on divine will, potentially leading to morally questionable commands being seen as good.

If moral actions are commanded by the gods because they are inherently good (Moral Realism), then morality exists independently of the gods. This implies that there is a standard of goodness that even the gods must adhere to, challenging the notion of their omnipotence and moral authority.

Implications of the Euthyphro Dilemma

The Nature of Morality: The dilemma forces a reconsideration of the origins and nature of moral values. If morality is independent of divine command, then ethical principles must be grounded in something other than religious authority, such as reason, human nature, or societal consensus.

Divine Omnipotence and Omnibenevolence: The dilemma raises questions about the attributes of gods, particularly their omnipotence and omnibenevolence. If gods are bound by an external standard of goodness, their power and moral perfection might be seen as limited.

Secular Ethics: The Euthyphro Dilemma supports the development of secular ethical theories that do not rely on divine command. Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill have proposed ethical systems based on reason, human well-being, and utilitarian principles.

Theological Responses: The dilemma has prompted various theological responses. Some theologians argue for a modified Divine Command Theory, suggesting that God's nature is inherently good and that divine commands naturally align with this goodness. Others propose that God's will and moral truths are identical, thus avoiding the arbitrariness problem.

The Euthyphro Dilemma remains a cornerstone in the study of moral philosophy and theology, provoking ongoing debate about the foundations of ethical principles and the role of divine authority in determining what is right and wrong. By challenging both Divine Command Theory and the independence of morality from divine will, the dilemma encourages deeper exploration of the sources and nature of moral values.

[blueheartbooks]

"Diving into the Abyss: Unraveling the Mysteries of 'Atlantis, the Antediluvian World' by Ignatius Donnelly"

In his timeless work, "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World," Ignatius Donnelly takes readers on an intellectual voyage through the corridors of history, mythology, and speculative science to explore the enigma of Atlantis. Published in 1882, Donnelly's magnum opus continues to captivate minds, challenging conventional beliefs about ancient civilizations and submerged realms.

The title itself sparks curiosity, suggesting an exploration of a world lost to time. Donnelly, a 19th-century polymath, weaves together a tapestry of evidence, folklore, and imagination, presenting a compelling case for the existence of a once-great civilization that predates recorded history.

The book unfolds like an archaeological adventure, with Donnelly delving into various ancient texts, mythologies, and geological phenomena to build his case for the existence of Atlantis. Drawing on works from Plato to ancient Hindu scriptures, he meticulously constructs a narrative that places Atlantis at the center of a global, advanced society.

Donnelly's bold hypotheses challenge readers to question the limits of human achievement in the ancient world. He proposes a sophisticated society with advanced technology, drawing parallels between the architectural feats of Egypt, Mexico, and the lost city of Atlantis. The author's arguments are not just a product of his imagination; they are backed by extensive research, albeit within the context of the knowledge available during his time.

The allure of "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World" lies in its ability to spark the imagination while grounding its theories in the available evidence of the era. Donnelly's exploration of geological anomalies, linguistic connections, and cultural parallels contributes to the mystique surrounding Atlantis.

However, the book is not without its critics. Skeptics argue that Donnelly's interpretations are speculative and at times overly optimistic. Nevertheless, the enduring appeal of his work lies in the profound impact it had on subsequent generations of scholars, scientists, and fiction writers who continued to explore the possibility of a lost civilization.

In conclusion, Donnelly's "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World" stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with the unknown depths of human history. Whether one approaches it as a work of speculative science or an engaging piece of historical literature, the book continues to beckon readers to contemplate the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our understanding of ancient civilizations.

"Atlantis, the Antediluvian World," By Ignatius Donnelly is available in Amazon in paperback 21.99$ and hardcover 29.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 477

Language: English

Rating: 8/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[blueheartbookclub]

"Diving into the Abyss: Unraveling the Mysteries of 'Atlantis, the Antediluvian World' by Ignatius Donnelly"

In his timeless work, "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World," Ignatius Donnelly takes readers on an intellectual voyage through the corridors of history, mythology, and speculative science to explore the enigma of Atlantis. Published in 1882, Donnelly's magnum opus continues to captivate minds, challenging conventional beliefs about ancient civilizations and submerged realms.

The title itself sparks curiosity, suggesting an exploration of a world lost to time. Donnelly, a 19th-century polymath, weaves together a tapestry of evidence, folklore, and imagination, presenting a compelling case for the existence of a once-great civilization that predates recorded history.

The book unfolds like an archaeological adventure, with Donnelly delving into various ancient texts, mythologies, and geological phenomena to build his case for the existence of Atlantis. Drawing on works from Plato to ancient Hindu scriptures, he meticulously constructs a narrative that places Atlantis at the center of a global, advanced society.

Donnelly's bold hypotheses challenge readers to question the limits of human achievement in the ancient world. He proposes a sophisticated society with advanced technology, drawing parallels between the architectural feats of Egypt, Mexico, and the lost city of Atlantis. The author's arguments are not just a product of his imagination; they are backed by extensive research, albeit within the context of the knowledge available during his time.

The allure of "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World" lies in its ability to spark the imagination while grounding its theories in the available evidence of the era. Donnelly's exploration of geological anomalies, linguistic connections, and cultural parallels contributes to the mystique surrounding Atlantis.

However, the book is not without its critics. Skeptics argue that Donnelly's interpretations are speculative and at times overly optimistic. Nevertheless, the enduring appeal of his work lies in the profound impact it had on subsequent generations of scholars, scientists, and fiction writers who continued to explore the possibility of a lost civilization.

In conclusion, Donnelly's "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World" stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with the unknown depths of human history. Whether one approaches it as a work of speculative science or an engaging piece of historical literature, the book continues to beckon readers to contemplate the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our understanding of ancient civilizations.

"Atlantis, the Antediluvian World," By Ignatius Donnelly is available in Amazon in paperback 21.99$ and hardcover 29.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 477

Language: English

Rating: 8/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[tablevivant]

French New Wave: a man talks, and then a woman

[ditoob]

Happy pride y’all

[kebriones]

I am normal about plato's Alcibiades 1

[the-framed-maelstrom]

Those who tell the stories rule the world.

Plato, Dialogues

[classicslesbianopinions]

EVERYONE ON THIS WEBSITE IS WRONG ABOUT SOCRATES

[cleaningbones]

plato's meno (3rd/4th century BCE) + sweet smell of success (1957)

[enlitment]

Wait I can't believe this only just hit me but Plato's Dialogues could totally be seen as him writing a RPF, right?

Well that would sort of make RPF one of the cornerstones of the ""western culture""

See, I'm not wasting my evenings, I'm actually engaging with an almost 2.5 thousand years old philosophical & literary tradition!

[fluentisonus]

explaining to my dad all about the movement of atoms in lucretius via video call 🥰

[dotsayers]

sending smut to your friends for validation is what i imagine it was like to attend a symposium in ancient greece

[diglett-anon]

Have you heard that Pelipper can carry people's letters and packages in its large bill?

[kohihari]

what the hell is bro talking about

[ditoob]

It’s one of those missing Alcibiades days huh

[kebriones]

The way Socrates literally says ""People don't stick around because you're too much for them" to Alcibiades in the Alcibiades 1 and the implied "but you'll never be too much for me" ARGHJKTFGHR yeah i get why he fell for him i get it.