In Plato’s Dialogue ‘The Symposium’, Socrates recalls Diotima's teaching that the desire for one beautiful man's body is just the first rung on a ladder that leads up to the appreciation of the Form of beauty, and so is merely a means to the higher end of appreciating the abstract idea. Watch the short animated video below to learn more:
The concepts
-
Plato (427 - 347 BC)
Plato, born in Athens, is one of the key figures of Greek philosophy.
Read nowPlato (427 - 347 BC)Level: 1 Introductory
-
Philosophy: Justice and Morality
Although what constitutes justice may vary depending on culture or historical context, all forms of justice are built on a foundation of moral assumptions that include ideas about ethics, fairness and the law. Philosophers have often debated the nature of both morality and justice and their relationship with each other and in this collection we explore some of the most influential ideas on the topics from Kant to Bentham and investigate problems such as can inequalities be justified, provided they are to the benefit of the worst off? This material forms part of The Open University course A222 Exploring philosophy.
Listen nowPhilosophy: Justice and MoralityLevel: 2 Intermediate
-
Great Thinkers: Making the connections
Who were the great thinkers that shaped the way we live today? What connects Nelson Mandela with the feminist-philosopher Simone de Beauvoir? Play this series of games and uncover the connections between influential figures from Charles Darwin to Fidel Castro
Take part nowGreat Thinkers: Making the connectionsLevel: 1 Introductory
General philosophising
-
Introducing philosophy
Ever wondered what it would be like to study philosophy? This free course, Introducing philosophy, will introduce you to the teaching methods employed and the types of activities and assignments you would be asked to undertake should you wish to study philosophy and the human situation.
Learn moreIntroducing philosophyLevel: 1 Introductory
-
Choose your own philosophy adventure
'Castle, Forest, Island, Sea' is a choose-your-own-adventure interactive that explores key questions in philosophy. Where will your chosen path lead you?
Take part nowChoose your own philosophy adventureLevel: 1 Introductory
-
Study at the OU: The arts past and present
A broad course that introduces the arts across a range of subject areas, including music, art, English, classics and history
Read moreStudy at the OU: The arts past and present -
Exploring Philosophy
Does God exist? Why should I act morally? Can I trust science? Should I obey laws I disagree with? Discover how philosophers have offered radically diverging answers to these and other questions.
Read moreExploring Philosophy
Newsletter.JPG#/media/File:12_July_in_Belfast,_2011_(130).JPG){kind=link}
Be the first to post a comment
We invite you to discuss this subject, but remember this is a public forum.
Please be polite, and avoid your passions turning into contempt for others. We may delete posts that are rude or aggressive, or edit posts containing contact details or links to other websites.