Philebus (Penguin Classics)

By Plato

Book Overview

Taking the form of a discussion between the hedonist Philebus, his na ve disciple Protarchus and Socrates, Philebus is a compelling consideration of the popular belief that pleasure is the greatest attainable good. Here, Socrates speculates on the differing intensities of both pleasure and pain; explores the notion that they can be divided into pure and impure types; considers the relationship between the one and the many; and establishes knowledge as a far higher goal. A profound argument that true fulfillment can only be achieved by the pursuit of beauty, truth and moderation, Philebus is among the earliest and most fascinating explorations of one of the most fundamental human questions: how to lead a good life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140443959
• ISBN13: 9780140443950
• Release Date: February 1983
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.7" x 0.4" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Happiness as a mix of pleasure and insight

The eternal rivalry between pleasure and insight about the good and happy life represents the main question of Plato's Philebus. With the rapprochement from different perspectives, Plato finally gets to the conclusion that the happy life consists in a good mix of pleasure and insight. Within the scope of his hassle, Plato develops a very differentiated and interesting conception of pleasure. Thereby he gets to the conclusion that pleasure is influenced by opinions and that it sometimes even consist of an opinion.

The most readable translation of Plato I have read yet

I have read several Hackett translations of Plato and Hackett always publishes quality translations. Not only are they affordable but the introductions and notes that accompany them are always extremely helpful for understanding what are often difficult texts. Dorthea Frede's translation of the Philebus is by far the best translation of any Plato I have read. I've read the Phaedo, the Timaeus, and the Republic and found all of them to be confusing at some points and nearly impenetrable at other points. However, Dorothea's translation of the Philebus is extremely clear, even when Plato is not, and that is a great accomplishment considering the text was translated into English by a non-native speaker of the language. I highly recommend this translation.