Philebus

Plato's Philebus stands as a masterwork of ancient philosophy that delves into one of humanity's most enduring questions: what constitutes the good life? In this later dialogue, Socrates engages his companions in a rigorous examination of pleasure, wisdom, the soul, and the divine nature of reality itself. Written in Plato's mature period, Philebus represents a significant philosophical advance over his earlier works, pushing abstract thought to new heights as the author grapples with the relationship between pleasure and knowledge. Rather than presenting simple answers, the dialogue unfolds as a complex intellectual journey, exploring how different forms of experience contribute to human flourishing. Socrates challenges conventional wisdom about desire and satisfaction, introducing sophisticated categories that distinguish between pure and mixed pleasures, and between wisdom that merely satisfies appetite and wisdom that elevates the soul. This classic philosophical text showcases the Socratic method at work—a dynamic conversation that moves beyond rhetoric toward fundamental truths about existence. The Benjamin Jowett translation captures the nuance of Plato's original Greek arguments while remaining accessible to modern readers. Ideal for philosophy students, classical literature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the ancient foundations of Western thought, this audiobook offers timeless insights into how we should live and what we should value most deeply.