What Did Socrates Say About Love?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Socrates states that, “ Love is the conciousness of a need for a good not yet acquired or possessed.” In other words we want what we do not have, and at times cannot have. Love for Socrates is a superficial occurrence and only based on the things in life that seem to be pleasing to the eye.

What is Plato’s idea of love?

Platonic love, as devised by Plato, concerns rising through levels of closeness to wisdom and true beauty , from carnal attraction to individual bodies to attraction to souls, and eventually, union with the truth.

What is Socrates definition of love?

which Socrates sets himself from the start; love, he says, is neither beautiful . nor good (though he does not mean it is ugly or bad, either). Love cannot. be beautiful because it is the desire to possess what is beautiful, and one. cannot desire that which one already possesses, Socrates argues.

Did Socrates know what love is?

At the very beginning of the history of philosophy we find Socrates saying that the only thing he really knows is love . Nevertheless, scholars remain unclear about exactly what knowledge of love Socrates was claiming to possess.

What does Socrates say about the subject of love?

According to Diotima, Socrates says, Love (the supposed deity) is neither mortal nor immortal, neither beautiful nor ugly . Love is rugged and resourceful but also a spendthrift. In his restless, ambitious, seeking quality, Diotima adds, Love has more in common with the unsatisfied lover than with the beautiful beloved.

How does Aristotle define love?

Aristotle continues (1380b36-81a1): “Let ‘loving’ [to philein] be wishing for someone the things that he deems good, for the sake of that person and not oneself, and the accomplishment of these things to the best of one’s ability ”.

How does Diotima define love?

Diotima argues that love occurs when a human being is pregnant and desires to bear beautiful things that are not only immortal, but also wise and virtuous (Rouse 104). It implies that love is assurance of immortality and happy live through procreation of body and societal values.

What is the highest form of love?

Philia is the highest form of love because it is a two-way road, unlike eros and agape.

What did Plato say about relationships?

Love is born into every human being; it calls back the halves of our original nature together; it tries to make one out of two and heal the wound of human nature . Each of us, then, is a ‘matching half’ of a human whole...and each of us is always seeking the half that matches him.”

Does true love exist?

Contrary to what we like to say and believe, the feeling of love doesn’t occur in our hearts , at least scientifically. Instead, it happens in our brain when we release hormones (oxytocin, dopamine, adrenaline, testosterone, estrogen, and vasopressin) that create a mix of feelings: euphoria, pleasure or bonding.

Is Socrates really a lover of wisdom?

“Philosopher” in Greek literally means “ lover of wisdom ” and here, Socrates gives us the model for a true philosopher: he accepts resentment and risks death because his love for wisdom far outweighs any concerns for his own safety or well-being.

What is Socrates philosophy?

Philosophy. Socrates believed that philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society . He attempted to establish an ethical system based on human reason rather than theological doctrine. Socrates pointed out that human choice was motivated by the desire for happiness.

What is happiness according to Socrates?

According to Socrates: – Happiness flows not from physical or external conditions , such as bodily pleasures or wealth and power, but from living a life that’s right for your soul, your deepest good. ... – If you do know what’s good for your soul, then you’ll do it naturally, since it’s the nature of good to be desired.

What does Socrates speak to Diotima about?

Having been convinced that Love is not beautiful or good, Socrates asks Diotima if that means Love is ugly and bad . Diotima argues that not everything must be either one thing or its opposite. For instance, having unjustified true opinions is neither wisdom nor ignorance.

What are the main points of Diotima’s message to Socrates?

Diotima has Socrates agree that everyone always wants good things and happiness to be theirs forever . In that case, everyone would be a lover, but we only call certain people lovers.

Why was Socrates so important?

Socrates of Athens (l. c. 470/469-399 BCE) is among the most famous figures in world history for his contributions to the development of ancient Greek philosophy which provided the foundation for all of Western Philosophy. He is, in fact, known as the “Father of Western Philosophy” for this reason.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.