Week 5: The first part of Socrates’ speech
the first part of Socrates’ speech (201d – 206a)
Note that Socrates’ speech relies on lessons from Diotima. Contrast Pausanias’ view that women lack intelligence.
Note that just as Socrates has questioned Agathon, Diotima is described as questioning Socrates. Is this genuine questioning, or just a dramatic device?
What is the significance of Diotima’s view that Love is an “intermediate” spirit, not a mortal or a god? What is the significance of Diotima’s description of the origin of Love?
What do you think of the conclusion at 206a that “the object of love is the permanent possession of goodness for oneself”?
Does this conclusion illuminate why Socrates engaged in the previous discussion with Agathon?
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