The Virtue of Sophrosune in Plato's Gorgias and Phaedrus

By: Kristian Sheeley

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Paperback | 2 August 2026

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A unique interpretation of Plato's account of moderation and the contemporary relevance of Plato's ethical thought. Sophrosune is one of the four moral virtues—along with wisdom, courage, and justice—that Plato discusses most frequently, though it is perhaps the most difficult one for modern readers to understand. While this Greek term is often translated as "moderation," it is widely acknowledged that English does not have a suitable match for it. This book interprets Plato's masterful reflections on sophrosune in two of his dialogues, Gorgias and Phaedrus. Author Kristian Sheeley demonstrates that Plato depicts Socrates customizing his accounts of sophrosune for the sake of motivating his interlocutors to cultivate it in their own souls. By depicting Socrates attempting to turn his interlocutors toward the pursuit of virtue, Plato aims to make a similar impact on his readers. In addition, the book periodically reflects on the contemporary relevance of Plato's ethical discussions as they pertain to fundamental philosophical problems that continue to confront us today. Plato's writings on sophrosune and related issues contain powerful insights that offer us invaluable guidance.

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