Symposium & Phaedrus
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The views of Plato on a variety of topics are typically illustrated for readers through the dialectic method, a dialogue that represents a series of questions and replies aimed at logical inquiry. So it is with the concept of love as illustrated in two of PlatoÆs dialogues, Symposium and Phaedrus. Love is the central theme of both of these dialogues that transpire in Athens, the former at a dinner party for Agathon and the latter a serene walk in the words by Phaedrus. A number of views of love are presented by each and both are responsible for introducing new conceptions of love to the world. In both Symposium and Phaedrus new conceptions of love such as platonic love and love representing the need to become complete through another person. As Wu (2003) argues, ôPlatoÆs Symposium, the first known work written specifically to explore the nature of love, caused fundamental changes in the Western way of thinking about love. One of the important themes of the Symposium is that love is based on a personÆs need to be completed by someone elseö (1). This analysis will explore each conception of love as they are revealed in the Symposium and Phaedrus. In Symposium, we see a variety of conceptions of love presented by the mainly intoxicated guests. The views are diverse and more favorable than the conceptions of love offered in Phaedrus. Whereas the conception of love in Phaedrus is one of divine ma
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oulö of beauty, the eternal and everlasting loveliness which is beauty itself, and he will then be quickened with true virtue. The stranger MantineiaÆs advice to Socrates defines love as something that transcends any kind of physical contact or sexual passion, ôThis is that life above all others which man should live, in contemplation of beauty absolute; a beauty which if you once beheld, you would see not to be after the measure of gold, garments, and fair boys and youths, whose presence now entrances you; and you and many a one would be content to live seeing them only and conversing with them without meat or drink, if that were possibleö (Jowett, 2003, 7). The implication is that are animal passions keep us from achieving this capability. In this we see the conception of platonic love as a higher love that transcends any kind of physical or sexual desire or appreciation. Despite this, when Alcibiades comes to the party, we see SocratesÆ enjoyment of the physical flesh and bacchanalian pursuits, ôThe late-comer to the banquet û actually a part crasher û at the Symposium is SocratesÆ longtime æerotic companionÆ and putative æfavoriteÆ Alcibiadesö (Phaedrus, 2003, 1).
Each of the speeches contributes something to the idea of
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Approximate Word count = 2356
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)
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