more from Plato

Single Idea 200

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

Full Idea

The only reason the common man disapproves of pleasures is if they lead to pain and deprive us of future pleasures.

Gist of Idea

People tend only to disapprove of pleasure if it leads to pain, or prevents future pleasure

Source

Plato (Protagoras [c.380 BCE], 354a)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Protagoras and Meno', ed/tr. Guthrie,W K C [Penguin 1956], p.90


A Reaction

Plato has a strong sense that some pleasures are just innately depraved and wicked. If those pleasure don't hurt anyone, it is very hard to pinpoint what is wrong with them.