Abstract

FIERRO, María Angélica. The Doctrine of Eros in Plato's Republic. Diánoia [online]. 2008, vol.53, n.60, pp.21-52. ISSN 0185-2450.

Here, I intend to show that some aspects of the platonic conception of eros which are hinted at in the Symposium receive further development in the Republic, mainly: a) In the Symposium eros is conceived like the intense, universal desire for the good, which is focused in different individuals in different ways (Symp. 205d1-9). According to my interpretation, this idea is explained in the psychology of the Republic. b) In addition to this in Symp. 210a1-212a7 an "erotic ladder" is traced: the love for beautiful bodies; afterwards, for beautiful habits; then, for beautiful sciences; finally, for Beauty itself. However, no enlightenment about what these different "levels" refer to is provided. Here I show how the whole program of education in the Republic constitutes a systematic development of these ideas of the Symposium.

Keywords : Eros; soul; Symposium; Republic.

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