Symposium

Definition

A symposium is a philosophical dialogue written by Plato that explores the nature of love, particularly through the lens of Eros. It features a series of speeches by different characters, each offering their perspectives on love, which connects various themes such as the relationship between love and beauty, as well as the pursuit of higher forms of understanding, like the Form of Beauty itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the Symposium, each speaker presents a different view on love, culminating in Socrates’ account of Diotima's teachings about love's purpose.
2. The dialogue contrasts different types of love, including physical attraction and the love of wisdom and virtue.
3. Socrates suggests that true love leads individuals on a journey from the appreciation of physical beauty to the contemplation of spiritual and intellectual beauty.
4. The concept of 'ascent' is essential in the Symposium, illustrating how one can move from loving particular beautiful things to ultimately understanding the Form of Beauty.
5. The Symposium emphasizes that love is not only about desire but also about the pursuit of immortality through creation, whether in offspring or ideas.

Review Questions

• How do the various speeches in the Symposium contribute to our understanding of the nature of Eros?
  • The speeches in the Symposium collectively illustrate that Eros encompasses a range of experiences and motivations. Each speaker contributes unique insights, highlighting aspects such as physical desire, spiritual connection, and intellectual aspiration. Through these differing perspectives, we come to understand Eros not merely as a simple romantic feeling but as a complex drive that pushes individuals toward beauty and higher truths.
• Discuss how Plato connects love to beauty and the Forms in the Symposium.
  • In the Symposium, Plato asserts that love (Eros) serves as a bridge between our experiences of physical beauty and the higher reality of the Forms. The dialogue illustrates that while individuals may initially be attracted to particular beautiful bodies, true love propels them toward understanding and appreciating the Form of Beauty itself. This connection implies that love motivates us to seek greater knowledge and deeper connections beyond mere physical attraction.
• Evaluate the significance of Socrates' account of Diotima in relation to the ascent to the Form of Beauty within the context of the Symposium.
  • Socrates' recounting of Diotima's teachings is pivotal in highlighting the transformative journey one undergoes through love. Her concept of ascent illustrates how love begins with physical attraction but ultimately encourages individuals to reach for higher truths and ideals. This journey towards the Form of Beauty not only enriches personal growth but also fosters a deeper understanding of existence itself, emphasizing that true love transcends mere desire, leading to profound enlightenment.

Related terms

Eros:

Eros refers to a passionate or romantic love, often viewed as a driving force behind human desire and the pursuit of beauty and truth.

Forms:

Forms are abstract, perfect ideals in Plato's philosophy that represent the true essence of concepts like beauty, justice, and goodness.

Platonic Love: Platonic Love is a non-sexual affection that emphasizes a deep emotional connection and admiration for someone's character and intellect rather than physical attraction.