An Analysis Of Plato's Thoughts Of Happiness

In the thought system of Plato(427-347 B.C.),the theory of pleasure takes up no small part,and researches on it are comparatively scarce in our academia thus far.This thesis on such question is mainly based upon such dialogues as Philebus,Gorgias,Protagoras and Republic,etc.In Plato’s view,knowledge and virtue are more valuable than desire,pleasure and pain.Accordingly,Plato tends to be regarded as a rationalist and moral idealist.But this does not amount to affirming that he is an ascetic at all.As the case stands,Plato thinks of the good life as the third type of life,which combines pleasure and reason in good proportion.If pleasure is a condition and means of the good,reason and virtue are the ultimate guarantee of it.Pleasure could be explained mainly through kenosis-plerosis model.As there are different sorts of it,only the true,good and pure pleasures can enter into the good life.If the harmonization between pleasure,reason and virtue is the ideal,it is not easy to realize.As our study has indicated,Plato more adopts the control model,viz.,to steer the intemperate pleasure-seeking desire by reason and virtues like justice.Yet he seems to overdo in his rectifying measures in this aspect.In earlier dialogues,he argues and debates with rhetoricians and sophists,and takes harsh attitude to desire and pleasure;subsequently,he becomes more dialectical,modest and allows parts of good pleasures.In brief,as Plato sees it,pleasure and reason are all intrinsic elements in good life.They are in conflicting concord,and produce the fruit of philosophy—love of wisdom.In philosophy pleasure and wisdom could and should marry together,and they both consist of one of its key dimensions.Correspondingly,human beings are neither sensational wild animal,nor omniscient and omnipotent gods,but intelligent virtuous creatures who pursue pleasure as well wisdom.