The Philosopher Café

May 23, 2007

I.                   Introduction/Book/Media Discussion – 6:00 – 6:15

o      Socrates In Love: Philosophy for a Passionate Heart,

Christopher Phillips

A combined review of Socrates ideas on love intertwined with discussions at Socrates Café meetings. 

o      The Symposium, Plato

o       Phaedrus, Plato

II.                 Discussion:  What is love?  6:15 – 7:15 PM

III.               Introduction – Theme is Love     7:15 – 7:45 PM

·       The Symposium

-         Phaedrus

§        Love helps men gain honor and blessedness

-         Pausanius

§        Surrender to love to become more virtuous and wise

-         Aristophanes

§        Two halves seeking to find each other

-         Agathon

§        Love is an enemy of old age and promotes justice, moderation, courage and wisdom.

-         Socrates

§        Love is a longing for immortality.

§        Creating children is of less value than creating ideas.

-         Alcibiades

§        Wants Socrates to make him a better man

§       Virtues of the other cause you to love them

·       Phaedrus

-          Socrates

§       Ruled by two things:

§        Physical satisfaction / Acquired judgment to pursue what is best

§       The Soul

§        The Madness of Love

§        Conclusion

IV.              Wrap up/Final Thoughts