Reading Guide: Euthyphro's First Definition of Piety

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According to Euthyphro's initial definition, what distinguishes a pious act?

An act that adheres to the principle of divine retribution

An act of prosecuting a wrongdoer, even if the wrongdoer is a family member (correct)

An act that is dear to the gods

An act that aligns with the customs and traditions of society

What was Socrates' primary criticism of Euthyphro's first definition of piety?

It contradicted the principle of filial piety

It relied too heavily on divine examples rather than logical reasoning

It did not account for the disagreements among the gods on what constitutes piety

It failed to capture the essence or universal quality of piety (correct)

Euthyphro's second definition of piety states that:

Pious acts are those that are pleasing to the majority of the gods

Pious acts are those that are dear to the gods, while impious acts are not dear to them (correct)

Pious acts are those that uphold the principles of justice and fairness

Pious acts are those that align with the will of the supreme god, Zeus

What was Socrates' primary criticism of Euthyphro's second definition of piety?

It assumed that the gods agree on what is pious and what is not, which Socrates believed was problematic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best captures Socrates' goal in his dialogue with Euthyphro?

To arrive at a precise, universal definition of piety that captures its essence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the essence of Euthyphro's argument by divine example?

The gods' actions, even if they appear impious, are ultimately justified by their divine nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the doctrine of the mean primarily concerned with?

Practicing virtues in moderation Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what is the distinctive ability of humans that leads to happiness?

Rationality Signup and view all the answers

What type of virtue does Aristotle emphasize is learned through instruction?

Intellectual virtue Signup and view all the answers

In Aristotle's view, how is happiness related to the pursuit of good?

Happiness is the end goal of pursuing good Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes virtuous people from those who 'accidentally' behave correctly according to Aristotle?

Awareness and intention in virtuous behavior Signup and view all the answers

Why does Aristotle suggest there are no absolute rules to follow in developing moral virtue?

Individual situations require contextual judgment Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle define the highest good in relation to happiness?

'Good' things sharing a similar form Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle suggest is necessary for the development of moral virtue?

(Appropriate pain + pleasure) / Inappropriate pain Signup and view all the answers

In Aristotle's view, why do humans consider happiness as the highest good?

'The highest good must make use of our distinctive ability to be rational and virtuous' Signup and view all the answers

Which type of friendship is considered the most rewarding and virtuous?

Friendship based on virtue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about friendships based on utility and pleasure?

They are incomplete because they are conditioned on gaining something from the friendship Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of friendships based on virtue?

They involve wishing each other well unconditionally Signup and view all the answers

Which type of friendship is more likely to be formed between people of different moral qualities?

Friendship based on utility or pleasure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why lawgivers care more for friendship than justice?

Because friendship holds states together Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the relationship between the three types of friendship, according to the text?

Friends based on virtue are also pleasant and have utility Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle suggest is the telos of any activity?

Happiness Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what is the function of a human being?

To act according to reason Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle state about happiness and external goods?

Happiness does not require external goods Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle define virtue?

A state between excess and deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What argument does Aristotle present regarding virtues of character?

They are acquired through practice and habituation Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what is the distinction between honor and happiness?

Honor is superficial and dependent on others, while happiness is self-sufficient Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle mean by 'activity of the soul in accord with reason'?

'Using reason to guide actions' Signup and view all the answers

'Virtues can be corrupted by an excess or deficiency of action.' This statement aligns with Aristotle's idea that virtues are:

'States between excess and deficiency' Signup and view all the answers

'We don't seek happiness to accomplish anything else.' This statement supports Aristotle's notion that:

'Happiness is self-sufficient' Signup and view all the answers

'Happiness requires external goods, goods of the soul and goods of the body.' This statement contradicts Aristotle's view that:

'Happiness results from virtuous activities' Signup and view all the answers

According to Socrates' argument, if the gods disagree about what makes an act pious or impious, what does this imply about Euthyphro's claim?

Euthyphro's claim is contradictory, as an act cannot be both pious and impious simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

How does Socrates propose to amend Euthyphro's second definition of piety to avoid the problem he identified?

By assuming that the gods are unanimous in their stance on what makes something pious or impious. Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of the question Socrates asks about the relationship between piety and the gods?

Is piety loved by the gods because it is inherently pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods? Signup and view all the answers

What appears to be among Socrates' requirements for a good definition, according to the text?

The definition should provide a normative account of what makes something inherently good, bad, or neutral. Signup and view all the answers

What is Socrates' view on the requirements he sets for a good definition?

He acknowledges that his requirements may be too demanding and difficult to meet. Signup and view all the answers

Do Socrates and Euthyphro reach an agreement on the definition of piety?

No, they fail to reach an agreement on a definition of piety. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two sets of accusations brought against Socrates in the Apology?

Corrupting the youth and worshipping false gods. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Socrates surprised to hear the Oracle of Delphi's claim that no one is wiser than him?

He considered himself to be unwise and did not expect such a claim from the Oracle. Signup and view all the answers

According to Socrates, what does his 'human wisdom' consist of?

A deep understanding of the limits of human knowledge and a humble acknowledgment of those limits. Signup and view all the answers

According to Socrates' argument in the Apology, why is it irrational to fear death?

We do not know what happens after death, so fearing it is based on ignorance and lack of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the nature of true friendship?

True friendship is a state of being that involves reciprocal goodwill and virtue. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the difference between true friendship and other types of relationships?

True friendship requires more investment and time commitment compared to other relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a true friend?

A true friend wishes the best for their friend, regardless of emotions or feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the role of virtue in friendship?

Virtuous friends tend to associate with others of similar virtue. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, which of the following statements is true about the nature of incomplete friendships?

Incomplete friendships require less investment and commitment compared to true friendships. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between friendship and love?

Love is a necessary component of true friendship, just as a mother's love for her child is unconditional. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, which of the following statements is true about the role of equality in friendship?

Equality and similarity are crucial factors in the formation and maintenance of true friendships. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between friendship and utility?

Friendships of utility lack generosity and are based on the usefulness or benefit one friend provides to the other. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, which of the following statements is true about the role of time and investment in friendship?

True friendships require a significant investment of time and effort to get to know someone deeply. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between friendship and happiness?

Happiness is increased by spending time with true friends who are virtuous and of good character. Signup and view all the answers

According to Socrates, what was his reason for not bringing out his children during his trial?

He believed it would be an appeal to pity, which was unnecessary since he wanted to win the case through reason. Signup and view all the answers

If the divine oracle had made a similar statement about Euthyphro as it did about Socrates, how do you think Euthyphro would have responded?

Euthyphro would have used the oracle's statement to further his own agenda and claims of wisdom. Signup and view all the answers

What does Socrates claim to know throughout The Apology?

Socrates claims to know that the care of the soul is more important than wealth or knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the divine mission that Socrates claims to be on, and why might it be of value?

Socrates claims to be on a mission to live an examined life and encourage others to do the same, which he believes is of great value. Signup and view all the answers

How is Socrates' belief that 'wickedness is worse than death' connected to his claim that 'the unexamined life is not worth living'?

Socrates believes that an examined life is necessary to avoid wickedness, and that death is not to be feared. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tolstoy start 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' with Ivan Ilyich's funeral and from the perspective of Peter Ivanovich?

To establish the cold, utilitarian relationship that Ivan Ilyich had with his colleagues. Signup and view all the answers

What values seem to have guided Ivan Ilyich's life, according to the text?

Approval of high society, living a pleasurable life, and commanding respect and power. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ivan Ilyich regard as 'his duties'?

To live a decent life approved of by society. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the moral light in the story, and what motivates that person in a way that does not seem to motivate the other characters?

Gerasim, the servant, who is motivated by genuine compassion and a desire to ease Ivan Ilyich's suffering. Signup and view all the answers