Single Idea 371

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / c. Value of pleasure]

Full Idea

My contention is that reason, intellect, memory - along with correct belief and true calculation - are far better than pleasure for all creatures capable of attaining them.

Gist of Idea

Reason, memory, truth and wisdom are far better than pleasure, for those who can attain them

Source

Plato (Philebus [c.354 BCE], 11b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Philebus', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [Penguin 1982], p.51


A Reaction

Why? Is it better to understand deeply, or to act well? Can we just say there is objective good and subjective good, and they have little in common? Depressed heroes.