Plato - differences between love and desire

Question 1

Where is Plato’s work does he discuss the differences between love and desire

Answer 1

• symposium
• laws

Question 2

What does Plato’s Laws say about the difference between love and desire

Answer 2

The laws seperates friendship, desire and love with different definitions and claims love is a combination of friendship and desire.
At first love is an intense friendship but is then divided into love with and love without desire

Question 3

What speakers in the symposium discuss the differences between love and desire

Answer 3

• Phaedrus
• Pausanius
• Euryximachus
• Aristophanes

Question 4

what does Pheadrus (in the symposium) say about the difference between love and desire

Answer 4

Phaedrus focuses on the benefits of love in producing a sense of shame which encourages virtue in lovers.
There is no mention of sexual desire only desire aimed at self improvement.

possibly that desire is personal but love is shared?

Question 5

what does Pausanius (in the symposium) say about the difference between love and desire

Answer 5

Outlines the 2 types of love
- Uranian eros = mind, virute, honour, improvement
- Pandemian eros = money, body, political power
Pandemian eros is required for procreation but uranian eros is the superior form

love of the mind is above desire (love of the body/ lust)

Question 6

what does Euryximachus (in the symposium) say about the difference between love and desire

Answer 6

Euryximachus claims that love is derived from desire.
Good and bad desire cause good and bad love

Question 7

what does Aristophanes (in the symposium) say about the difference between love and desire

Answer 7

Aristophanes focuses on people finding fufilling, loving relationships rather than sexual desire