Philosophy Euthyphro Dilemma Quiz

Study Notes

Explores the relationship between morality and divine preferences.
Questions whether something is good because gods prefer it or if gods prefer it because it is inherently good.
Raises issues about the nature of morality and divine authority.
Traditionally attributed to Plato, introduced in the dialogue Euthyphro.
Discussed by various philosophers, including Leibniz, who critiques divine command theory for potential arbitrariness.
Presents a challenge for theists regarding the independence of morality from divine beings.

Metaphor illustrating knowledge, reality, and human perception.
Most people live in ignorance, perceiving only shadows of true reality.
Highlights the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and the philosopher's responsibility to help others.
Associated with Plato, presented in The Republic as part of his Theory of Forms.
Emphasizes that true knowledge comes from understanding the Forms rather than sensory experience.

Dialogues between Socrates and the sophist Protagoras on the nature of virtue and its teachability.
Central debate: Is virtue a single entity or composed of various parts (e.g., wisdom, courage)?
Protagoras argues that virtue can be taught, while Socrates is skeptical and probes deeper into the concept.
The dialogue leaves the question of virtue's teachability open, highlighting its complexity.

Augustine presents a vision of two cities: the City of God and the Earthly City.
The City of God represents those living according to God's will; the Earthly City is for those pursuing worldly pleasures.
Argues that history represents a struggle between these two cities, with the City of God prevailing in the afterlife.
Augustine emphasizes faith's role, addressing human history and divine providence.
Written in response to Rome's fall, countering the belief that Christianity caused its decline.

Aristotle analyzes virtue and the good life, proposing that the ultimate goal is eudaimonia (happiness or flourishing).
Eudaimonia achieved by living in accordance with virtue, defined as the mean between extremes (Golden Mean).
Virtue involves both intellectual knowledge and the development of good habits through practice and experience.