Hippias Major: What Is Beauty? – Plato’s Dialogue on Aesthetics and the Search for Universal Truth

What if beauty isn’t just what we see—but a reflection of deeper truth?

In Hippias Major, Plato invites us into one of philosophy’s earliest investigations into aesthetics. Socrates questions the sophist Hippias on the definition of beauty, leading to a challenging and often humorous journey through false starts, flawed logic, and unexpected insights.

This modern translation delivers Plato’s wit and wisdom in accessible, engaging language, making the search for beauty as relevant today as it was in ancient Greece.

What you'll discover inside:

• A Timeless Dialogue on Beauty – Socrates seeks a definition that transcends physical appearance

• Plato’s Foundations of Aesthetics – Understand the roots of Western thought on art and form

• A Sharp Critique of Superficial Wisdom – Watch Socrates expose hollow definitions of truth and beauty

• A Modern, Thoughtful Translation – Designed to resonate with today’s listener while preserving Plato’s philosophical depth

Uncover the essence of beauty with Socrates as your guide—and see how the search for the ideal can reshape how we see the world.