Single Idea 391

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / a. Form of the Good]

Full Idea

If we are unable to net the good in a single concept, three must capture it: namely, beauty, proportion and truth.

Gist of Idea

We could express the Good as beauty, proportion and truth combined

Source

Plato (Philebus [c.354 BCE], 65a)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Philebus', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [Penguin 1982], p.145


A Reaction

Very interesting. More illuminating than the discussion of the Good in 'Republic'. Is a handsome and honest murderer good? Is beauty part of the nature of the good, or a hallmark of it?