Pausanias Conceptions Of Love

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Different cultures and societies have various mental schemas pertaining to the interpretation and proper expression of romantic love. Additionally, over time many societies have changed the way they view love by adopting new definitions and revising previously held beliefs. In The Symposium Pausanias’ claims that there are two forms of love, “common love” and love derived from a “heavenly goddess” (Plato, 14). He stresses that love derived from the “heavenly goddess” is superior to “common love” because it involves gay love and because lovers aim to further their boyfriend’s knowledge and virtue. Although this might have been a prevailing idea of love in ancient Greece, I disagree with Pausanias’ idea of what constitutes ideal love. His definition …show more content…

He describes common love as the type of love in which people “are attracted to women as much as boys, and to bodies rather than minds”. Contrastingly, he describes love derived from the “Heavenly goddess” as superior to the other type. Pausanias states: “...those inspired with this love (heavenly love) are drawn towards the male, feeling affection for what is naturally more vigorous and intelligent” (Plato, 14). Essentially, Pausanias is trying to convey that romantic love between males is a superior form of love compared to “common love”, where men are attracted to men and women equally. He believes that men have a superior intellect and are more spirited, therefore their love is more significant than love between a man and a woman or between two …show more content…

He claims that “heavenly love” is more rewarding because it is associated with gaining wisdom from a knowledgeable lover, whereas “common love” is associated with lust. Therefore, Pausanias claims “common love” can disappear if either partner loses their sexual attraction for one another, and generally, the lovers receive nothing valuable, such as knowledge, in

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