Plato's theory of love is one of the most influential ideas in Western philosophy regarding the concept of love. This thought, developed in several Platonic dialogues, such as the "Symposium" and "The Symposium of Erosthenes", has given rise to interpretations and debates over the centuries.
Origin of the theory
Plato considered love as a fundamental motivating force in human life, which could manifest itself in various ways. According to his writings, love was not only a romantic or passionate feeling, but was also related to the search for wisdom and beauty. For Plato, love was an impulse that led us to transcend the mundane and aspire to the divine.
The three types of love
In the "Banquet", Plato presents a classification of three types of love, each associated with a Greek divinity. The first type of love is physical love or eros, which is related to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. This type of love is marked by sexual attraction and carnal desire, but according to Plato, it can also be a way to access the spiritual if animal instincts are transcended.
The second type of love is platonic love or philia , which is linked to Apollo, the god of friendship and reason. This type of love is based on friendship, mutual respect and intellectual connection between two people. Plato considered Platonic love to be a higher form of love, as it transcended the purely physical and focused on mutual admiration and appreciation.
The third type of love is divine love or agape, associated with Zeus, the supreme god of the Greek pantheon. This type of love is selfless, altruistic and manifests itself in compassion and care for others. According to Plato, divine love is the highest of all, since it represents union with the divine and the search for the common good.
The myth of the androgyne
In "The Symposium of Erosthenes\\\\ ", Plato presents the myth of the androgynous, a story in which human beings originally had a spherical shape with four arms, four legs, and a single head with two faces. These beings felt so powerful that they defied the gods, who decided to divide them into two halves as punishment.
Since then, human beings have desperately searched for their lost other half, hoping to find the completeness and plenitude they had. before separation. According to Plato, love arises from this search, since each person feels a deep longing to reunite with their other half and experience the fullness of love.
Interpretations and criticisms
Throughout history , Plato's theory of love has been the subject of various interpretations and criticisms. Some philosophers and psychologists have pointed out the influence of this theory on the development of the psychology of love, especially with regard to the differentiation between the different types of love.
Criticisms
One of the The most common criticism of Plato's theory of love is his idealization of Platonic love, which has been considered a utopian vision and far from reality. Some critics argue that this conception of love can create unrealistic expectations in human relationships and lead to disillusionment and disenchantment.
Another criticism refers to the classification of types of love proposed by Plato, since some consider that This distinction is too simplistic and does not reflect the complexity of human relationships. Furthermore, it has been debated whether divine love is really achievable for human beings or whether it is rather an unattainable ideal.
Contemporary interpretations
Despite criticism, God's theory of love Plato remains relevant today and has been the subject of various reinterpretations by philosophers, psychologists and theologians. Some authors have highlighted the importance of love as a transforming force in human life, capable of generating a sense of unity and transcendence.
In contemporary psychology, Plato's theory of love has influenced the conception of love as a process of personal and spiritual development, in which different forms of love can coexist and complement each other. In addition, the relationship between love and the search for happiness, self-realization and the meaning of life has been explored.
Conclusions
In short, Plato's theory of love is a profound reflection on the nature of love and its role in human life. Through his writings, Plato invites us to reflect on the different dimensions of love, from the physical and passionate to the spiritual and divine, and to seek harmony and plenitude in our relationships with others.
While the theory Plato's love may be idealized and simplified in some aspects, it remains a source of inspiration and debate in the study of love and human relationships. His distinction between different types of love and his vision of love as a transformative and transcendent force continue to resonate today, inviting us to reflect on the nature of our own relationships and loving aspirations.