This guide looks at Socrates argument of incontinence or the inability to exercise self-control. Included in the Protagoras dialogue this dialogue contends man is rational and can refuse inferior pleasures. In sum, he is not incontinent. Incontinence is best defined as not being able to control one's self and taking actions that are without thought and without careful consideration. In Protagoras, Socrates denies that incontinence can actually exist and in his discussion of choosing pleasures over pains he tries to show that people are not overcome with pleasure and that they are actually functioning from knowledge or a lack of it and it is this that may be determining their actions. A good basic understanding of the dialogue.
