Plato’s Euthyphro

Plato’s dialogue the Euthyphro is a good introduction to Plato and his depiction of his teacher, Socrates. The dialogue is short, fewer than a dozen pages in most editions, but it raises questions that remain of philosophical interest. This course will focus on various topics, including the famous “Euthyphro Dilemma,” which asks whether good actions are whatever the gods approve or whether the gods approve good actions because they recognize them to be good. This is actually more of a dilemma for Christians than it was for the Greeks. This course will also introduce information about Greek history and religion.