What is Callicles’ belief about living a good life?
Self-indulgence must be practiced to its fullest potential.
How does Callicles define a ‘superior person’?
The one who has worked his way into a position where he can satisfy any and all of his desires.
What does Callicles believe about power and desires?
Those with power can chase every desire and pleasure without interference from anyone.
What philosophical stance does Callicles represent?
Hedonistic and greedy beliefs.
What analogy does Socrates use to explain his views on pleasure?
Two jars: one cracked and leaky, the other intact.
What does the cracked jar symbolize in Socrates’ analogy?
Callicles’ insatiable desire to chase every pleasure.
What does the intact jar symbolize in Socrates’ analogy?
A fulfilled desire that leaves one feeling satisfied.
How does Socrates view the pursuit of pleasure?
A hedonistic life leads to constant dissatisfaction and hard work.
What critique is there against Callicles’ hedonistic lifestyle?
It leads to tiring, constant work and a vicious cycle of chasing unattainable pleasure.
What metaphor is there to use to critique Callicles’ view on desires and nature?
A lion does not hunt every zebra it sees; it conserves energy.
What do you believe about self-discipline in living a good life?
Some form of self-discipline is needed, but a balance of pleasure and control is essential.
Fill in the blank: Callicles believes that a life of _______ leads to the best state of existence.
[self-indulgent freedom]
What do you conclude about the balance of pleasure and self-control?
You need to have a balance of letting yourself go but also keeping yourself in control.
Critique Socrates
we are not given a certain outline in life to follow we make of it what we will- therefore some may want to follow callicles (gully bird argument)
creating desires is like creating goals, and for some people trying to achieve said goals is more satisfying then finishing it.
Critique Callicles
hard work
addicting
lose pleasures as you go
less satisfying every time
damaging
What does Socrates value as essential for a good life?
self-discipline
Socrates argues that a disciplined life brings lasting contentment, unlike a hedonistic life.
According to Socrates, what does the cracked jar represent?
endless, unsatisfiable desire
The intact jar represents fulfilled desire that can bring lasting satisfaction.
What does the gully bird symbolize in Socrates’ argument?
the hedonistic life
It represents a lowly, unsatisfying existence, similar to that of a seagull.
What does itching and scratching illustrate in the context of a hedonistic life?
constant repetition of desires
This leads to eventual harm and unfulfillment if desires are not managed.
What is Socrates’ view on male prostitution in relation to pleasure?
there are bad pleasures as well as good
Socrates critiques the demonization of sex work rather than providing a philosophical argument.
How does Callicles define a superior person?
one who satisfies all desires without restriction
This person ignores self-discipline and encourages self-indulgence.
What does Callicles believe is necessary for a good life?
maximum self-indulgence
He argues that every pleasure should be fulfilled.
According to Callicles, what is the key to pursuing all pleasures?
power
Power can be inherited or achieved and enables the pursuit of desires.
What does Callicles view as the best state of existence?
self-indulgent freedom
He believes this leads to the happiest life.
