Single Idea 2123

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / f. Dangers of pleasure]

Full Idea

Self-discipline and excessive pleasure cannot go together, because pleasure deranges people just as much as distress. Excessive pleasure cannot partner any of the other virtues.

Gist of Idea

Excessive pleasure deranges people, making the other virtues impossible

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 402e)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.101


A Reaction

This invites an examination of the word 'excessive', which seems too subjective. Aristotle says any good is improved by the addition of pleasure. Pleasure can certainly derange people.