Plato - physical symptoms of desire

Question 1

Where is Plato’s work is there reference to the physical symptoms of desire

Answer 1

• Phaedrus
• Symposium

Question 2

Outline the physical symptoms of love described in Plato’s Phaedrus

Answer 2

Through Socrates and Phaedrus’ interaction beneath a tree, Plato effectively describes sexual intercourse leading to orgasm.
His description is full of language which hints at the whole experience of sexual arousal.
- parts of the body become warm, moist and swell
- physical desire can lift the soul to flight (erection)
- the body sudders (as if reaching orgasm)

Question 3

who discusses the physical symptoms of love in Plato’s symposium

Answer 3

Euryximachus

Question 4

Outline the physical symptoms of love described in Plato’s Symposium

Answer 4

Euryximachus: By not controlling bad desire it leads to bad love leading to disharmony and illness