Agathon's Symposium

The meaning of Eros and its functions is intricate and unique, such as how it serves. In The Symposium, by Plato, patrons evaluate Eros functions and purpose by giving their own interpretation on love. Each speech is unique and critiques previous speeches to show purpose for their own individual interpretation. Agathon concentrated on details, such as “love’s virtues”(196c) and described how others had “[failed to speak about] the nature of the god himself”(195a). However, Diotima (unveiled by Socrates) demonstrated how while Agathon's speech was “beautiful”(198b), but lacked real philosophical content. Agathon argued Eros is the happiest god because “he is the most beautiful and [the] best”(195b). Agathon described Eros’ different “moral character”(Arete). He began his speech by addressing “love’s [four] virtues”(196c); Justice,moderation,bravery,and wisdom. Agathon described moderation as having power over impulses,such as pleasures or passions. …show more content…
After being questioned by Socrates, Diotima concluded love is not it’s opposite (neither ugly and bad), because the totality is not necessarily true. Love is always trying to grasp something beautiful, something you want in the future. “Desire is directed at what isn't available and actually there”(200e); desire itself is directed at what you don't have ( or acknowledge) that you have. For instance, someone that is already fast, wanting to be fast (200c). People don’t desire what they already possess.” [Eros] loves what he needs and doesn't have”(201b), indicating that Eros does not obtain beauty.Therefore, Diotima proved “Love is [not] beautiful”(201c). Agathon then agreed “[he] didn't know what [he] was talking about”(201b) in his eulogy. furthermore,“If good things are beautiful”(201c) then Eros does not occupy good things, concluding that “[Eros is] neither beautiful nor