Philebus

by Plato

"Philebus" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written around 360-347 BC. It presents a debate between Socrates and two young Athenians about whether pleasure or reason constitutes the highest good. The conversation explores the nature and hierarchy of different pleasures, distinguishing between beneficial and harmful forms. Through this ethical investigation, Socrates examines broader questions of being, knowledge, and proper measure. The dialogue concludes with a universal value order that assigns pleasure its appropriate—but subordinate—place in the good life.