Philebus (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Plato (Author), Robin H. Waterfield (Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Penguin Classics | Publication Date: February 24, 1983

Taking the form of a discussion between the hedonist Philebus, his naive 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.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Greek (translation)

About the Author

Plato (c. 427-347 b.c.) founded the Academy in Athens, the prototype of all Western universities, and wrote more than twenty philosophical dialogues. Translated by Robin Waterfield

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (February 24, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140443959
• ISBN-13: 978-0140443950
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,941,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most readable translation of Plato I have read yet, March 4, 2008

By 

Andy F. "xanadu" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philebus (Paperback)

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.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happiness as a mix of pleasure and insight, January 18, 2010

By 

Vipassati.ch "Philosophical Practice" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philebus (Paperback)

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.