Symposium review

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Prologue & Aristodemus

Phaedrus & Pausanias


In Plato's "Symposium," Pausanias uses several specific examples to illustrate
the concept of Heavenly Love. Here are the key illustrations he provides:
1. Philosophical Relationships:
o Pausanias highlights the love between philosophers and their
students. This relationship is characterized by a deep intellectual
connection, where both parties seek knowledge and virtue. He
argues that such bonds elevate both individuals and lead to
personal and communal growth.
2. Historical Figures:
o He references notable figures from Greek history, such as
Achilles and Patroclus, to exemplify Heavenly Love. Their
relationship is portrayed not just as a deep friendship but as one
that inspires heroism and noble deeds, suggesting that their
love transcends physical attraction and is rooted in mutual
respect and admiration.
3. The Ideal Couple:
o Pausanias describes an ideal relationship between a lover and a
beloved, where the lover is motivated to pursue excellence and
virtue because of their admiration for the beloved’s character.
This love encourages both individuals to strive for greatness,
creating a partnership that is both uplifting and transformative.
4. Contrast with Common Love:
o He contrasts Heavenly Love with Common Love by illustrating
that relationships based solely on physical attraction often lack
depth and can lead to moral decay. He argues that while
Common Love may be enjoyable, it does not inspire the same
level of commitment to virtue and personal growth as Heavenly
Love does.
Eryximachus & Aristophanes
In Plato's "Symposium," Eryximachus uses several examples from nature to
illustrate his view of love as a fundamental and harmonious force. Here are
some key examples:
1. Seasonal Changes:
o Eryximachus refers to the cycles of nature, such as the changing
seasons, to demonstrate how love creates balance and harmony
in the natural world. The interplay of elements in nature, like the
warmth of spring and the coolness of autumn, exemplifies the
harmonious relationships that love fosters.
2. Harmony in Music:
o He draws an analogy between love and musical harmony. Just as
different musical notes must be balanced to create pleasing
melodies, love brings together different elements in nature to
achieve harmony. This connection underscores the idea that
harmony in music reflects a deeper, universal principle of love.
3. Health and Disease:
o Eryximachus discusses the balance of bodily elements (hot,
cold, wet, dry) and how love plays a crucial role in maintaining
health. He argues that when these elements are in harmony, the
body is healthy; when they are out of balance, it can lead to
disease. This example illustrates how love is essential for the
well-being of both individuals and nature.
4. Animal Behavior:
o He mentions the social behaviors of animals, such as how they
care for their young or form cooperative groups. These
behaviors reflect a natural love that promotes survival and well-
being, reinforcing the idea that love is a guiding principle in the
animal kingdom.
Agathon & Socrates
In Plato's "Symposium," Agathon presents a poetic and eloquent perspective
on love (Eros) during the gathering. Here are the key points of his opinion:
1. Personification of Love:
o Agathon personifies love as a youthful and beautiful god. He
emphasizes love's attractiveness and divine qualities, portraying
it as the source of all that is good and beautiful in the world.
2. Love as the Youngest God:
o He claims that love is the youngest of the gods, which he
believes contributes to its beauty and vitality. This youthful
aspect symbolizes the freshness and vibrancy of love in human
experience.
3. Love as the Source of Virtue:
o Agathon argues that love inspires virtue and moral excellence.
He suggests that through love, individuals strive for beauty and
goodness, and that love motivates people to pursue noble
actions.
4. Love and Creativity:
o He connects love to creativity and the arts. Agathon posits that
love is the muse behind great poets, artists, and thinkers,
driving them to produce beautiful works and to excel in their
crafts.
5. Interconnectedness of Love:
o Agathon discusses how love connects individuals, fostering
relationships and community. He highlights the idea that love
brings people together and encourages social harmony.
6. Emotional and Intellectual Aspects:
o While Agathon's speech is primarily focused on the emotional
and aesthetic dimensions of love, it lacks the depth of
philosophical analysis found in Socrates' later speech. However,
it beautifully captures the joy and inspiration that love brings to
human life.
Socrates 反驳了 IV
(pg 117)

Alcibiades & Diotima


《》Alcibiades《》
1. 阿尔喀比亚德的爱欲观
阿尔喀比亚德的爱欲观与其他与会者有所不同,他的发言更多地集中在他对苏格拉底的个人感情上,而不是对爱的本质的哲学探讨。他描述了自己对
苏格拉底的爱,这种爱既包含了对苏格拉底智慧的敬仰,也包含了对他个人魅力的迷恋。
2. 爱与自我认知
阿尔喀比亚德的发言揭示了爱与自我认知之间的复杂关系。他承认自己在苏格拉底面前感到自卑,因为苏格拉底的智慧和美德让他意识到自己的不足
这种自我认知的过程是痛苦的,但也是成长的必要步骤。
3. 爱与教育
阿尔喀比亚德的发言还涉及到爱与教育的关系。他认为苏格拉底是他的导师,苏格拉底的教诲对他的成长产生了深远的影响。然而,他也承认自己在
某些方面未能达到苏格拉底的期望,这反映了教育的局限性和个人成长的复杂性。
4. 爱与政治
作为一位政治家,阿尔喀比亚德的发言也反映了爱与政治之间的关系。他的政治生涯受到了他对苏格拉底的爱的影响,这种爱使他在政治决策中更加
谨慎,也使他更加关注自己的道德修养。
5. 爱与不朽
阿尔喀比亚德的发言中还涉及到爱与不朽的关系。他认为通过与苏格拉底的交往,他能够获得某种形式的不朽,这种不朽不仅仅是个人的荣耀,也是
对社会和历史的贡献。
《》
In Plato's "Symposium," Alcibiades draws comparisons between Socrates and
the figures of Silenus and Marsyas to highlight Socrates' unique qualities and
the nature of his wisdom. Here are the key points of comparison:
1. Silenus:
o Physical Appearance: Alcibiades describes Socrates as
resembling Silenus, a satyr known for his grotesque appearance.
He highlights that, like Silenus, Socrates may not be outwardly
attractive but possesses deep inner beauty and wisdom.
o Hidden Wisdom: Alcibiades notes that just as Silenus carried
beautiful statues inside his jars, Socrates hides profound insights
beneath his seemingly simple exterior. This comparison
emphasizes that true value lies within, and Socrates'
philosophical teachings often reveal deeper truths that are not
immediately apparent.
2. Marsyas:
o Musical Talent: Marsyas was a satyr known for his exceptional
musical abilities and his challenge to Apollo. Alcibiades likens
Socrates’ skill in the art of dialectics and rhetoric to Marsyas’
musical talent, suggesting that Socrates has a unique ability to
engage and captivate others through his conversations.
o Challenging the Gods: The comparison to Marsyas also evokes
the idea of someone who dares to challenge divine authority, as
Marsyas did when he competed with Apollo. Alcibiades implies
that Socrates, through his questioning and philosophical
inquiries, similarly challenges conventional wisdom and societal
norms.
3. Themes of Transformation:
o Both comparisons highlight the transformative power of
Socrates’ influence. Just as Marsyas' music could inspire and
evoke emotion, Socrates’ dialogues provoke deep reflection and
personal growth in those who engage with him.
4. Underappreciated Genius:
o Alcibiades points out that, like Silenus and Marsyas, Socrates
may not be immediately appreciated for his worth. The hidden
depths of Socrates’ character and intellect are often overlooked,
much as the true artistry of Silenus’ statues and Marsyas’ music
may not be fully recognized at first glance.

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