Philebus
Philebus is one of Plato's late dialogues, translated by Benjamin Jowett with his long introduction. Socrates debates with Protarchus, who defends the view of the silent Philebus that pleasure is the highest good, while Socrates argues for knowledge and wisdom. Neither, it emerges, is enough on its own: the best human life is a mixture of the two, measured and ordered by reason. On the way Plato develops a metaphysical scheme of the limited, the unlimited, their mixture and its cause, distinguishes true from false pleasures, and ranks the goods of life in order. It is among the denser and more technical of the dialogues. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the opening pages free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Philebus
Philebus by Plato can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Philebus online?
Yes. Philebus opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Philebus free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Philebus is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Philebus in the public domain?
Yes. Philebus by Plato is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Benjamin Jowett. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Philebus?
About 3 h 02 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Philebus?
Philebus by Plato is filed under "Essays & Letters" in the Vinteuil library.
