Diotima's Speech: Phaedrus And Aristophanes

Explain why Diotima’s Speech is superior to those of both Phaedrus and Aristophanes Aristophanes believes that two humans used to be combined as one, and we were separated by the Gods because they thought we had too much power together. He thinks the purpose of love is to seek out our other half and be with them. In his speech, however, he fails to think about whether or not our other half is good or bad. Diotima takes goodness into account. She says “…a lover does not seek the half or the whole, unless, my friend, it turns out to be good as well” (205E). Her speech is superior to Aristophanes’ because she states clearly that you are not supposed to love someone unless they are good. By good I mean having knowledge and wisdom.

Diotima’s speech is also superior to Phaedrus’ speech because his main point is that love will motivate people to not do shameful things in front of their lover. His argument does not address whether or not the love is actually good or bad between the beloved and the lover. By good I mean containing happiness. In his example, the individuals may not be happy at all. In fact, the

“Giving birth in beauty” starts with two forms (206B). We can either be pregnant in body or soul. When you want to become pregnant with beauty, in body, you seek out a mate who is good and wise. Then you can be pregnant in body and give birth to a child and become immortal by leaving your children behind when you pass away. Being pregnant in soul can happen when you have moderation and justice. Which means having proper order in your home. When a boy, specifically, becomes pregnant in soul he is drawn to beautiful bodies and drawn to beautiful souls. Being around beautiful souls makes him “teem with ideas and arguments about virtue” (209C). When we become pregnant in soul we seek an older, wise person who can teach us and come up with ideas with