The philosophical doctrine of Eros as recounted by Socrates in Plato's Symposium originates from the teachings of a prophetess identified as Diotima of Mantinea. Whether this figure functioned as an actual historical instructor or served as a literary invention remains a subject of ongoing debate among scholars exploring the foundations of ancient Greek thought.
Role in the Symposium
Within the narrative structure of Plato's dialogue, Diotima serves as the mentor who guided a young Socrates in the philosophy of love. She challenges the conventional understanding of love, distinguishing the concept from the beloved. Her explanation posits that love is neither inherently beautiful nor good, but functions as a drive toward beauty. This progression begins with an appreciation of earthly bodies, advances to the perception of spiritual beauty, and ultimately focuses the mind on the pursuit of wisdom. She characterizes Eros as the offspring of resource and poverty, placing him in a daimonic position between the mortal and the immortal realms.
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The descriptor assigned to her, Mantinikê, linguistically links to the Greek word mantis, implying an association with prophecy. Beyond her discourse on love, she is portrayed as a foreigner possessing wisdom in many areas. Her historical persona is often tied to priestcraft, specifically through her purported advice to the Athenians regarding sacrifices that successfully delayed the onset of a plague. Her dialogue frequently employs technical vocabulary related to purification, initiation, and revelatory visions, underscoring her status as a figure capable of mediating between human and divine spheres.
Debates on Historicity
Evidence for the existence of Diotima remains limited to Plato's text. Historical perspectives have shifted significantly over centuries. Renaissance scholar Marsilio Ficino initially proposed that she might be a fictional creation, a view shared by many modern academics. Some earlier scholars suggested she was a stylized representation of Aspasia, the companion of Pericles. Conversely, other thinkers, including Mary Ellen Waithe, Irina Deretić, and Nicholas Smith, argue for her status as an independent historical figure. Proponents of this view note that her stated origin in Mantinea lacks an obvious thematic connection to love, suggesting that a fictional character intended to represent love might have been placed in Corinth instead.
Fast facts
- Born: -450
- Died: -300
- Origin: Mantineia, Greece
- Primary Occupation: Prophet and philosopher
- Language: Ancient Greek
- Primary source: Plato's Symposium
Questions readers ask
Was Diotima of Mantinea a real person?
Evidence is sparse and solely reliant on Plato's Symposium. Scholars remain divided between viewing her as a historical instructor or a fictional character created by Plato.
What was Diotima's main contribution to philosophy?
She is credited with defining the genealogy of Eros and establishing the path from physical attraction to the love of wisdom, or philosophy.
Achievements
- Fields: philosophy
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