Topic > The Importance of Examining Our Beliefs in Plato's Euthyphro

The Platonic dialogue entitled Euthyphro carefully examines why it is significant to question our beliefs and views on various topics. One vital concept that stands out is the idea of ​​Socratic questioning. As discovered through the discussion of Socrates and Euthyphro, Socrates believes that asking questions is the only defensible form of teaching and, therefore, continues to question Euthyphro's definition of piety. As a result, Plato reminds his audience that we must examine our views even if the consequences are further pain and confusion. In this respect, Plato is right, as it is crucial for a person to view their beliefs objectively in order to understand the kinds of actions they take and defend these actions sincerely. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Additionally, one should know that holding on to a false assumption of certainty can make one unaware of the true reality of the world. However, individuals cannot know this without subjecting their opinions to rational examination. There are many cases where beliefs can be progressive and expand one's life by opening up new possibilities. Alternatively, these beliefs can also be harmful and limit a person's life by limiting what they think they are capable of. The kind of person we are today and what we have accomplished are a direct result of the beliefs implanted in everyone's mind. Beliefs are therefore essential to understanding our development as individuals. The ideas we hold true play a significant factor in controlling the things we do in life and, therefore, the level of success we believe is possible to achieve. For example, consider that if we never went to college, the closest we could ever get would be to work at a low-paying job. If we didn't go to college and stick to this belief, working in an unfulfilling job would probably be our lifelong situation. However, we must consider the stories of those who did not have a college or graduate degree, yet still became successful individuals. By challenging your initial belief that you need a college degree to be successful, your perspective begins to change, as do your actions. These actions include seeking better-paying jobs or developing your own business instead of settling for the lowest possible outcome. The concept that one's actions are created by one's beliefs is further explored in Euthyphro. As Socrates discusses the meaning of piety, Euthyphro's first response is that "that which is loved by the gods is pious, and that which is not loved by them is impious." However, Socrates attempts to explain Euthyphro's reasoning by describing that being approved by the gods is an example of becoming so or being influenced by something. For example, if the gods all agreed that an action is pious, it would be because they say so, not because it is pious in its pure form of piety. However, not all gods agree that an action is sacred. So Socrates concludes: “So the beloved is not pious, Euthyphro, nor is the pious loved by the gods, as you affirm, but one is different from the other.” By questioning Euthyphro's initial belief regarding the concept of piety, Socrates shows that his definition does not fully explain why that action is right, but rather only tells us that the action has the quality of being loved by the gods. Consequently, this idea allows readers to think about the fact that doing the divine action is a lot.