Philosophy: Ancient: Philebus

Contents: The nature of pleasure and knowledge : ontological and methodological considerations (11A-31A) -- The classifications of pleasure and knowledge (31B-59D) -- The good life and the good as cause (59E-67B) -- Appendix : the Philebus and Aristotle's testimony : interpretations of Jackson and Sayre

Includes an essay on "Prudence in the Philebus."

Argues that mediation is a central theme in this Platonic dialogue dedicated to the exploration of what it means to live a good life. Plato's Philebus continues to fascinate us with its reflections on what it means to live a good life by aiming at the right combination of pleasure and knowledge. In this book, Cristina Ionescu argues that mediation is a central theme in the dialogue. Whether we talk about mediating between distinct ontological levels, between steps of reasoning, between pleasure and knowledge, between distinct types of pleasure, or between concrete circumstances and ideals, the steps in between remain essential to a good life. Focusing on ethical, epistemological, and metaphysical aspects of the dialogue, Ionescu occasionally steps beyond the letter of the text, while remaining faithful to its spirit, as she tries to illuminate what is only hinted at.

translated [from the Greek] with an introduction and commentary by R. Heckforth.