The Concept of Eros in Plato’s Philosophy: A Journey Through Love

Plato, one of the most renowned philosophers of ancient Greece, delved deeply into the nature of love, or Eros, in his celebrated work, “The Symposium.” Through a series of speeches by prominent figures in Athenian society, Plato examines love from multiple perspectives, ultimately framing it as a powerful force that transcends mere physical attraction, elevating the soul toward higher ideals. This exploration of Eros has profoundly influenced Western thought, shaping our understanding of love as a multifaceted and transformative phenomenon.

Vítor Azevedo
4 min readNov 22, 2024

Love in “The Symposium”: A Series of Perspectives

“The Symposium” is a dialogue set during a banquet where guests offer speeches in praise of Eros, the god of love. Each speaker provides a unique perspective, gradually building toward Plato’s ultimate vision of love’s purpose. Some of the most notable contributions include:

  1. Phaedrus: Phaedrus opens the dialogue by emphasizing love’s role in inspiring courage and virtuous action. According to him, Eros motivates individuals to achieve greatness, particularly in war or acts of sacrifice, as lovers seek to earn their beloved’s admiration. He portrays love as a powerful driver of noble deeds.
  2. Pausanias: Pausanias distinguishes between two types of love:
    Common love, which is physical and fleeting, often associated with superficial desires.
    Heavenly love, which transcends physical attraction and is based on intellectual and spiritual connection. This higher form of love, he argues, fosters moral development and mutual respect.
  3. Eryximachus: A physician, Eryximachus takes a more scientific approach, viewing Eros as a cosmic force that brings harmony to all aspects of existence. He connects love to health, music, and the balance of opposites, suggesting that Eros governs not only human relationships but the natural order itself.
  4. Aristophanes: In one of the most famous speeches, Aristophanes presents a mythic origin story for love. He describes humans as once being whole, androgynous beings who were split in half by Zeus as punishment for their hubris. Each half, longing to be reunited, searches for its other half, their soulmate. This allegory portrays love as the desire for unity and completeness.
  5. Agathon: Agathon offers a poetic tribute to Eros as a youthful and beautiful god who inspires creativity and joy. While his speech is eloquent, it is critiqued for lacking the philosophical depth of the others.
  6. Socrates (via Diotima): The climax of the dialogue comes with Socrates recounting the teachings of Diotima, a priestess who offers the most profound and philosophical account of Eros. According to Diotima, love is not an end in itself but a ladder of ascent that leads the soul from physical attraction to the contemplation of divine beauty and truth. This process, often called the “Ladder of Love,” involves several stages:
  • Attraction to a beautiful body.
  • Recognition of beauty in all bodies.
  • Appreciation of the beauty of the soul.
  • Love of intellectual and moral beauty.
  • Contemplation of absolute beauty, which is eternal, unchanging, and transcendent.

Through this progression, love becomes a means of spiritual and intellectual growth, guiding the lover toward higher knowledge and ultimate fulfillment.

Eros as a Transcendent Force

For Plato, Eros is more than romantic or physical desire. It is a dynamic and creative force that drives individuals to seek perfection, whether in relationships, art, philosophy, or the pursuit of truth. Love, in its highest form, becomes a bridge between the mortal and the divine, connecting the temporal world to eternal ideals. This view aligns with Plato’s broader metaphysical framework, which emphasizes the importance of transcending the material realm to access the world of Forms, where true beauty and goodness reside.

The Influence of Plato’s Eros on Western Thought

Plato’s concept of Eros has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy, literature, and theology. His idea of love as a transformative journey has influenced Christian notions of divine love (agape), the Romantic ideal of soulmates, and even contemporary discussions of self-actualization and personal growth. The duality of love — its grounding in physical attraction and its potential to elevate the soul — remains a central theme in understanding human relationships.

Critiques and Interpretations

While Plato’s account of Eros is celebrated for its depth and insight, it has also been critiqued for its hierarchical structure, which places intellectual and spiritual love above physical love. Critics argue that this devalues the emotional and physical aspects of human connection, reducing them to mere stepping stones on the path to higher pursuits. Additionally, the concept of the Ladder of Love can be seen as overly idealistic, potentially ignoring the complexities and messiness of real-world relationships.

Conclusion

Plato’s exploration of Eros in “The Symposium” offers a timeless meditation on the nature of love and its role in human life. By framing love as a journey toward higher ideals, Plato invites us to see it not merely as a source of pleasure or companionship but as a profound force for personal and spiritual growth. Whether through the longing for unity described by Aristophanes or the intellectual ascent articulated by Diotima, Plato’s vision of Eros continues to inspire and challenge us to consider what it means to truly love.

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Vítor Azevedo
Vítor Azevedo

Written by Vítor Azevedo

Frontend Developer with 25+ years' expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular and Vue. Builds dynamic, user-centric web apps. Award-winning projects.

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