Plato was a playwright first and foremost. Though he was a disciple of Socrates he had an identity and dreams well before meeting Socrates. It is for this reason that when considering Plato's philosophical points in relationship to medium, the structure is important. Plato created seven speeches that represented seven different views on Love. I think it is important to note that the final speaker of the Symposium is a bitter tormented lover because in the end all of love ends it sadness.
The reason that Socrates' speech is directed around dialogue is important because Socrates was renowned for his commitment to dialogue. The use of myth is required for nearly all of Greek works because of their society's commitment to the use of myth in everyday life. Also by removing himself so many times from the original symposium Plato allows himself to put words in these characters' mouths. These are all historically existent characters who had a reputation in Greek society that would help to form the quality of the character in a way we cannot understand in present day. It is clear to me that some message is lost between translation and separation of time periods.
Perhaps Platos seduces us into reading more and discussing his works by making us ask questions like "why would Socrates ever turn down what is surely worthwhile, according to Aristophanes." This questions sets up a discussion on what love is worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteIn the same way I think the works by James and Pierce require the reader to question the ideas that they bring up. Just as much as Plato wanted philosophy to be a discussion James and Pierce see that to grow discussion needs to be had.