Opening Philebus — Plato in Plato Scroll…
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Plato · David Horan
Well, Protarchus, be clear now as to what argument you are about to accept from Philebus, and what argument of mine you are to oppose if it does not accord with your thinking. Would you like us to summarise both? Yes, certainly. So Philebus, for his part, says that what is good for every creature is enjoyment, pleasure and delight, and anything else that belongs to this class. Whereas I contend that not these, but understanding, reasoning, memory and their kindred, right opinion and true thinking, are better and more desirable than pleasure for all of those who are able to acquire them, and that they are supremely beneficial to anyone who can attain them now or in the future. Isn’t that the sort of thing we both said, Philebus? Yes, entirely so, Socrates. Well, Protarchus, do you accept the argument that has just been assigned to you? I must accept it, since the fair Philebus has …
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