Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast Plato’s concept of pleasure and the place of this concept in Greek’s manner of life. In general, the daily life of Greek society is based on simplicity and temperance, which simply aims at avoiding extremism of any kind. However, some studies show that social togetherness for celebrations and excessiveness in bodily pleasure are constantly seen in this society. Yet, against this background Plato emphasizes the importance of putting restraints on bodily pleasure and being temperate in pleasure seeking in his entire philosophy. This study focuses on this apparent discrepancy between Plato’s moral philosophy and values of his society, as it is important to figure out in what ways these two might have come apart.