Socrates as Eros
Esther Rodulfa
PHL-1010H-LD01
09/18/12
Socrates as eros? Truly, love takes on many different forms. Love, for many centuries, has been given many different names. It also serves different functions. To distinguish a specific type of love, one of them is called eros. How love as eros can be defined is based upon the utilization of a specific writer’s perspective. Numerous published written works may account for the definition of eros. In this Essay, Plato’s perception of love as eros will be described. Furthermore, how and why Socrates, of “The Apology” by Plato, embodies Plato’s definition of eros will be shown. This embodiment will be based off Plato’s eros as poor being, eros as an intermediary between God and men, and eros as resemblance of the “god of Plenty”, eros’ father (Needleman 15 – 17). According to Plato’s “Symposium”, eros has always been in need or poor (Needleman 16). Socrates embodiment of this description of eros can be seen in Plato’s “The Apology”, where Socrates “remain in infinite poverty” (Plato 509) as a result of his commitment to his god through convicting Athenians of the condition of their souls and lives. Most of his time, Socrates converses with people and asks them questions pertaining their lifestyle. Due to this he does not have enough time to make earnings for himself. In return, some of his listeners put in time to hear him out and take on his advices (Plato 509). This even more takes time off from Socrates. Although others perceive this as Socrates teaching the Athenians with a charge, not one witness testified of Socrates’ activity of charging fees from anyone (Plato 519), which proves his disinterest in obtaining monetary wealth that contributes to his impoverishment. It can be suggested that Socrates does not spend great deal of time in obtaining monetary wealth or pleasure (Plato 519) due to this commitment. He places more priority on his care for Athenians than tending for his own health. His full dedication and
PHL-1010H-LD01
09/18/12
Socrates as eros? Truly, love takes on many different forms. Love, for many centuries, has been given many different names. It also serves different functions. To distinguish a specific type of love, one of them is called eros. How love as eros can be defined is based upon the utilization of a specific writer’s perspective. Numerous published written works may account for the definition of eros. In this Essay, Plato’s perception of love as eros will be described. Furthermore, how and why Socrates, of “The Apology” by Plato, embodies Plato’s definition of eros will be shown. This embodiment will be based off Plato’s eros as poor being, eros as an intermediary between God and men, and eros as resemblance of the “god of Plenty”, eros’ father (Needleman 15 – 17). According to Plato’s “Symposium”, eros has always been in need or poor (Needleman 16). Socrates embodiment of this description of eros can be seen in Plato’s “The Apology”, where Socrates “remain in infinite poverty” (Plato 509) as a result of his commitment to his god through convicting Athenians of the condition of their souls and lives. Most of his time, Socrates converses with people and asks them questions pertaining their lifestyle. Due to this he does not have enough time to make earnings for himself. In return, some of his listeners put in time to hear him out and take on his advices (Plato 509). This even more takes time off from Socrates. Although others perceive this as Socrates teaching the Athenians with a charge, not one witness testified of Socrates’ activity of charging fees from anyone (Plato 519), which proves his disinterest in obtaining monetary wealth that contributes to his impoverishment. It can be suggested that Socrates does not spend great deal of time in obtaining monetary wealth or pleasure (Plato 519) due to this commitment. He places more priority on his care for Athenians than tending for his own health. His full dedication and
Cited: Page Needleman, Jacob. The Heart of Philosophy. 1st ed. New York: Tarcher/Penguin, 2003. 15-17. Print. Plato, . "The Apology." Trans. W.H.D. Rouse Great Dialogues Of Plato. New York: Signet Classics, 2008. 502-531. Print.