Let us reckon together
SocratesThen reason out together with me what follows for us from what has been agreed. For they say that it is fine to say and to examine fine things twice, and even three times. We say that the intelligent and brave man is good. Isn’t that so?
CalliclesYes.
SocratesAnd the unintelligent and cowardly man bad?
CalliclesCertainly.
SocratesAnd again, the one who enjoys himself good?
CalliclesYes.
SocratesAnd the one who is distressed bad?
CalliclesNecessarily.
SocratesAnd the good man and the bad are distressed and enjoy themselves alike, and perhaps the bad man even more?
CalliclesYes.
SocratesThen doesn’t the bad man become bad and good to the same degree as the good man, or even more good? Isn’t this what follows, and those earlier things too, if someone says that the pleasant and the good are the same? Isn’t this necessary, Callicles?
CalliclesI’ve been listening to you for a long time now, Socrates, and agreeing, reflecting that even if someone concedes you anything in jest, you seize on it gladly, as youngsters do. As if you really thought that I, or anyone else in the world, did not consider some pleasures better and others worse.