This thesis claims that the encomium of Aristophanes is a significant moment of philosophical progress in the Symposium of Plato. Further, this thesis claims that a proper understanding of Aristophanes produces a more complex and fruitful understanding of the relationship between Aristophanes and the Diotima of Socrates. I show that Aristophanes and Diotima are centrally concerned with muthos and the nature of eros, with eudaimonia, and with the social and epistemic value of aporia within the po…
Read moreThis thesis claims that the encomium of Aristophanes is a significant moment of philosophical progress in the Symposium of Plato. Further, this thesis claims that a proper understanding of Aristophanes produces a more complex and fruitful understanding of the relationship between Aristophanes and the Diotima of Socrates. I show that Aristophanes and Diotima are centrally concerned with muthos and the nature of eros, with eudaimonia, and with the social and epistemic value of aporia within the polis.
