Philosophical teachings aid comprehension of society, nature, and morality's essence. The teachings empower humans with the ability to comprehend or think critically in order to solve the complex challenges that humanity faces. In essence, 'Plato's Euthyphro' and 'Descartes' Mediations on First Philosophy' illuminate the fundamentals of human life, ethics, and the importance of living a moral life in order to achieve social balance and individual prosperity. The two philosophical approaches, taken together, will aid in the justification of philosophy as a way of life and a body of knowledge. Euthyphro by Plato
Plato's Euthyphro is a philosophical concept based on Euthyphro and Socrates' discussion of the essence of virtue and piety. The overriding purpose of the conversation was to inform the audience about the meaning of life in regards to fulfilling individual’s aspirations and God’s duty. Socrates perceived that Athenian citizens lacked comprehension of piety or impiety and decided to assess of Euthyphro had a clue about the idea. The other objective was to examine Euthyphro’s wisdom on matters relating to life because the society consulted him for political, social and moral advice. Socrates initiated this conversation at Porch of King Archon when he had a legal and Euthyphro was the plaintiff for murder trial case involving his father (Matthews 440). In response, Euthyphro mentioned that piety is advocating for social justice without prejudice. Socrates acknowledged that personal relations like in Euthyphro’s case should not deter objective morality but thought that piety is more than that virtue. Euthyphro further asserted that piety is living in accordance to Gods. Socrates questioned this response because no person is sure about the requirement of god. He asked Euthyphro the correlation of just and piety. In this view, Socrates aimed to inform the public that ethics is a multifaceted concept that requires careful consideration of individual values. Descartes Mediations on First PhilosophyDescartes classified meditations into six classes to explain the basis of contemporary western philosophy and real virtues. The meditations questioned the Aristotelian doctrines that suggested that human sense determined knowledge. He aimed to progress a new approach of appreciating human diversity through matter, great deal and ideas. The first meditation highlights the skeptical doubts where he inquires how to be confident about things and to trust his senses. Since then, doubt has been an integral component of rational thinking as exhibited through appearance and reality among others (Gillespie 770). The perspective also denoted that mental challenges could influence imaginations and sense. Therefore, persons must work to improve the status of their body because it directly impacts the physical and psychological outlook. The second mediation entails the wax argument and cogito ergo sum suggesting that body surpasses the mind. The representationalism is a response to the gaps in medication one and outline that a person can determine his ideas but lack access to the things in the world. Descartes also assert the individuality of thought and objects in the society or the external environment. Therefore, ideas can lead to either misinterpretations or accurate interpretations of the social events. According to this concept, representational theory detaches the mind from the world resulting in knowledge gap in humans (Gillespie, 776). Other than having a fixed view of the universe, the meditation seeks to communicate that a person’s existence is another individual’s consciousness. The third reflection signifies the presence and purpose of God. In this view, he suggests different of ideas namely adventitious, innate and fictitious. The false ideas originate from people’s imagination, innate are part of the humanity while the adventitious ideas result from world experiences. Descartes made solid arguments to inform humanity that God had a purpose for the creation of the universe. He justified this claim that everything has its source/creator and portrays the benevolence of God. Besides, the persons should live a righteous life to fulfill the wishes of God. Descartes affirmed this concept by implying that existence of God is an innate feeling that no one can explain its origin. He also emphasized that God provides the needs of human beings because persons are non-perfect. Descartes also illustrated that having a quality life entails identifying truth and false. In this context, he aimed to inform the public truth is fundamental for ensuring social cohesion and peace. However, the attribute is beyond the control of human beings as it is God given gift. The argument also illustrated that man is imperfect and prone to errors. Thus, the society should learn to tolerate different character and forgive any wrong behavior. A just society thrives on respect, understanding and offering moral support to the members. An assessment Plato’s Euthyphro and Descartes meditation also portray that wisdom and morality surpass the material things. Using the responses provided by Euthyphro and the mediation five, an individual acquires the impression that God controls the global events and provides for the needs of every person. Therefore, being humble is a virtue, and everyone should strive to lead a quality life based on piety and logic as they prove the existence of God. Descartes argument also compliments Plato’s point that piety is not a matter of showing moral support to people. However, it entails seeking inner peace with yourself, nature and society to guide rational decision-making.These arguments identify the common misconceptions that affect social coherence, peace, and respect for every creature. The points justify that sense, and human behavior has a correlation even though they do not determine the character of a person. The same point is also proof that the society should not judge a person based on the observed or observable mental conditions. On most occasions, people have the innate ideas that people cannot see or identify unless the incorporate the wisdom or support of the creator. The impression presented by the philosophers also evinces the importance of showing respect for a person regardless of the physical outlook. As floated by Plato and Descartes, philosophy is the basis of knowledge and way of life. This is evidenced by important lessons regarding the significance of having a just life, appreciating the individuality of people; make righteous decisions and respecting the will of God. The two philosophers point out the main factors that have the potential to disturb social peace in the society. These comprise resource conflicts, lack of respect for the social institutions and disrespect for God. Therefore, the philosophers equip persons with critical skills to improve the social and spiritual conditions (Futter, 1032). As depicted, knowledge empowers human beings to have a successful life. Individuals or governments understand the significance of these virtues explaining the massive investments in the education sector. In addition, the knowledge and morality comprise some of the innate and adventurers ideas of man. Works CitedFutter, Dylan Brian. "On Irony Interpretation: Socratic Method in Plato's Euthyphro." British Journal for the History of Philosophy 21.6 (2013): 1030-1051Gillespie, Alex. "Descartes’ Demon A Dialogical Analysis of Meditations on First Philosophy." Theory & psychology 16.6 (2006): 761-781.Matthews, Gareth. "Whatever became of the socratic elenchus? Philosophical analysis in Plato." Philosophy Compass 4.3 (2009): 439-450.
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