What is Diotima of mantinea known for?
Diotima of Mantinea (/ˌdaɪəˈtaɪmə/; Greek: Διοτίμα; Latin: Diotīma) is the name or pseudonym of an ancient Greek woman or fictional figure in Plato’s Symposium, indicated as having lived circa 440 B.C. Her ideas and doctrine of Eros as reported by Socrates in the dialogue are the origin of the concept of Platonic love.
Who won at Mantinea?
The great Battle of Mantinea (also called “Second Mantinea” to distinguish it from the events of 418) was a technical victory for Thebes in the strictly military sense, but (as Xenophon noted) it was actually indecisive: Epaminondas’s death permanently crushed Theban hopes of leadership in Greece.
Where did Diotima live?
As a philosopher, the ancient Hellenic writers focussed on her ideas, not her life so we don’t know much about her as a person. The name Diotima means ‘honoured by Zeus’. She came from Mantinea, and ancient Hellenic city on the Peloponnese which was the site of the largest battle of the Peloponnesian War.
Did Socrates make up Diotima?
Diotima was a teacher of Socrates, a priestess, and a philosopher of love. She appears only once in contemporary accounts, in the work of Plato; and for centuries, scholars have debated her historicity. But whether or not she truly existed, the ideas attributed to her are both subtle and powerful.
What does Diotima tell us about love?
Having been convinced that Love is not beautiful or good, Socrates asks Diotima if that means Love is ugly and bad. Diotima argues that not everything must be either one thing or its opposite. Love is neither mortal nor immortal, but is a spirit, which falls somewhere between being a god and being human.
How long was the battle of mantinea?
In the spring of 421, the Athenians and Spartans concluded the Peace of Nicias. After eight years of fighting and an uneasy truce of two years, the Archidamian War was over.
Why did the battle of mantinea happen?
Agis could have bided his time inside the walls of Tegea, waiting for his northern allies. So he invaded and ravaged the territory around Mantinea, about 15 km north of Tegea and a member of the Argive alliance, in order to force a pitched battle with the Argives and their allies.
Why do we seek beautiful lovers according to Diotima?
In her next point, Diotima answers the question, “why do we love beautiful things?” by asking one of her own, “The lover of beautiful things has a desire, what is that desire (50)?” Socrates answers that people who love beautiful things really want them to become their own.
How does love relate to happiness according to Diotima?
I agree with Diotima’s view that love always desires pleasurable and beautiful things that make human beings achieve their happiness due to the satisfaction of their needs. Love compels people to pursue different interests with a common objective of attaining excellence and becoming happy in life.