Divine Command Theory and Plato's Euthyphro Dialogue

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Philosophy Paper
The Topic
The understanding of how morality originated is a complex philosophical and ethical problem. Most individuals acknowledge that there is a strong relationship connecting religion and morality. They believe that human beings cannot be moral without faith. The Divine Command Theory followers support the claim and supposition that God is responsible for defining ethical values. Other individuals believe it is hard to show that a relationship between God and ethics exists. The viewpoints’ supporters refer to the Euthyphro problem, which questions the Divine Command Theory’s credibility. Specifically, the theory is an ethical thought’s earliest form; it still currently appears somehow popular with most persons. The theory argues that the divine is a significant source of moral principles and beliefs. The divine clearly defines morality and immorality aspects, and they are based on God’s character and commands. God is the required authority to grant morality its unconditional universal trait. He is the only element that can form value and worth. Hence, all things are valuable only through the divine. Regarding the normative query “What ought people do?” (Plato, Grube & Cooper 18). The theory seeks to provide a critical answer by stating that human beings must perform whatever God demands them to do. A divine command believed is persuaded that having faith in God stimulates a person to follow or adhere to the stipulated moral values. People also observe ethical standards since they are formed or derived from God’s image.
Regarding the Euthyphro problem, an objection to the concept that ethics originate from God exists. One typical objection to the divine command theory is from Plato (a Greek Philosopher), who provided the Euthyphro dialogue. The discussion tries to explain piety, which means impartiality before the gods. Moreover, it results in a predicament for any individual who believes that morality is obtained from the Almighty. This Euthyphro concept (dialogue) connects Socrates with Euthyphro (a religious prophet) as they converse regarding the character of holiness or piety. Euthyphro goes to court to seek justice and accuses his father of the accidental killing, believing that his decision is appropriate before the gods. Socrates is surprised and asks Euthyphro, “Are you pursuing someone who will easily escape you?” (Plato, Grube & Cooper 4). He inquires why he claims so and looks forward to discussing with Euthyphro his purpose in charging his father with murder and morality’s essence. Socrates does not believe in the Euthyphron opinion about moral righteousness whereby the gods love piety.
The Conclusion
Only God is responsible for determining whatever is right and what is not correct. This statement implies that all actions are obligatory since God is always in control and command. Therefore, it is wise to conclude that all the Almighty’s commands should decide about whichever steps are right or wrong. In the simplest language, whatever is right or wrong depends on God’s instructions. The theory’s opposition originates from the unpredictability...