The dialogue revolves around the concept of temperance and its relationship to wisdom. Charmides, a young man from Athens, returns home after being exiled for killing his tutor in a fit of rage. He is visited by Socrates, who engages him in conversation about the nature of temperance. Socrates defines temperance as self-control, but Charmides argues that it is more closely related to wisdom. The dialogue explores this idea through a series of questions and counter-arguments, with Socrates challenging Charmides' understanding of temperance and its relationship to wisdom. The discussion also touches on the concept of the soul and its various parts, including reason, spirit, and appetite. Socrates argues that true temperance can only be achieved when the soul is in a state of balance and harmony among these different parts. Throughout the dialogue, Socrates' method of questioning is used to expose the flaws in Charmides' thinking and to encourage him to think more critically about the nature of temperance. The conversation ultimately reveals that Charmides lacks true wisdom and understanding of the concept he is discussing.
By Plato · First published 360 · Genre: Philosophical Dialogue, Socratic Dialogue, Ethics