Platonic Love from Antiquity to the Renaissance

Platonic love has significantly impacted Western literature, philosophy, and intellectual history, explored in this reference work by a team of international specialists. They examine the distinction between higher and lower forms of eros, the role of the higher form in the ascent of the soul, and the possibilities for friendship and interpersonal love within a Platonic framework.

Format: Hardback
Length: 450 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Platonic love, a concept that has deeply influenced Western literature, philosophy, and intellectual history for centuries, finds its origins in the Symposium and the Phaedrus. This profound concept was embraced by subsequent thinkers in antiquity, entered the theological debates of the Middle Ages, and played a pivotal role in the reception of Neoplatonism and the etiquette of romantic relationships during the Italian Renaissance. In this comprehensive reference work, a distinguished team of international specialists delves into the intricate distinctions between higher and lower forms of eros, exploring the role of the higher form in the ascent of the soul and the concept of Beauty. They also examine the possibilities for friendship and interpersonal love within a Platonic framework, as well as the intricate relationship between love, rhetoric, and wisdom.

Subsequent developments in this philosophical tradition are explored through the works of Plutarch, Plotinus, Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, Eriugena, Aquinas, Ficino, della Mirandola, Castiglione, and the contra amorem tradition. Each of these thinkers contributed their unique perspectives and interpretations to the evolving understanding of Platonic love, leaving a lasting impact on the intellectual landscape.

Through their comprehensive analysis, the contributors to this volume shed light on the enduring significance of Platonic love, its profound influence on human relationships, and its ability to inspire and challenge us to think critically about the nature of love, beauty, and the human experience.

ISBN-13: 9781108423229