The Euthyphro Dilemma

[LycanSpectre]

Here is the topic: the Euthyphro dilemma. Personally, I think this belongs in philosophy, but I'm pretty sure It'll get moved here since its about religon.

Here is the dilemma, from this page (http://stripe.colorado.edu/~morristo/shields.dct.html)

(1) Either God does not exist, or God exists.
(2) If God does not exist, then God's commands cannot make an action
moral.
(3) If God exists, then God's commands cannot make an action moral.
(4) Therefore, God's commands cannot make an action moral.

II. A Defense

A. Neither (1) nor (2) requires defense: (1) is analytic, and (2) is
obvious.

B. Plato supports (3) by arguing:
(1) Suppose what is moral is commanded by God.
(2) If so, then (a) what is moral is moral because it is commanded by God
or (b) God commands what is moral because it is moral.
(3) If (2b), then what is moral is moral independently of God's
commanding it and God's commands cannot make an action moral.
(4) If (2a), then whatever is commanded by God is moral.
(5) It is not the case that whatever is commanded by God is moral (e.g.
God could command something atrocious).(God is hypocritcal)
(6) Therefore, (2b).
(7) Therefore, what is moral is moral independently of God's commanding
it and God's commands cannot make an action moral. (God is not omnipotent)
(8) Therefore, if God exists, God's commands cannot make an action
moral.


For some history on this dilemma, click here (http://www.philosophyofreli gion.info/platoseuthyphro.html )

Im not trying to piss people off, just looking for some people's opinions. So, dont take this as a personal attack on your "God", because it's not.

[blueeyes]

That seems a little bit off, or at least the logic behind it. Primarily number 5, since that ignores the possibilty of an answer outside the analog. But then again, the conclusion is accurate, so I can't complain too much.
Morality's where you find it and what you define it by.

[LycanSpectre]

:shrug:
Makes sense to me. #5 is saying that if something is moral independant of God, Then if God commands something immoral, then he/she/it/they is hypocritical. he/she/it they commands the subjects/followers to be moral, and yet to do this immoral thing.

This argument has been around for a looooong time. (Specifically since the time of Plato). Im sure if the logic was seriously flawed, someone would have pointed that out by now.

Here is a paper that explains the dilemma a little better, and points out some flaws. (http://www.u.arizona.edu/ic/polis/courses021/PHIL_321-1/euthyphro_sample2.ht m) Mostly the flaws deal with perception of "God".