Plato - love

[bodyandsoul]

what is the function of love in the dialogues of plato

[joggerjayne]

It was just an excuse to get the local boys into bed.

[joggerjayne]

Well, I thought that somebody would post a less flip answer.

However, my answer does touch on the truth.

Plato suggests that love is a gift from the Gods, and that the power of love demonstrates man's ability to rise above base realities of physical, or mortal, life.

The reason that Plato (and others) directed this affection towards boys, rather than women, is that love for women was earthy and physical, and was thus inconsistent with the attainment of wisdom which is possible for man.

Having said this ...

... if your next door neighbour announced that he was seeking divine wisdom by shagging young boys instead of grown women ...

... would you study his books?

... or have him arrested?

[joggerjayne]

You're welcome.