Question

What is Diotima's ladder? How does one ascend it? Does this seem like an accurate theory of love and desire? Why or why not? Answer in at most 300 words.

Answer 1

Diotima is a priestess mentioned by Plato to discuss the ascension of a lover from the common physical attraction to something that appears eternally Good. This Good is superior to the general conception of Good and leads one to the eternal Form of Beauty. According to the theory of the ladder of Diotima, love is a desire and all the human beings have the same desire. But few can idealize the love. It is said that love should be something that makes one Good and it should be a everlasting desire to possess the permanent Good.

Diotima ladder theory says that all types of women have many things in common. The lovers are attracted by the physical beauty of the lady. All the fair lady appears common to all. But there is something different and a true lover should find the difference. Such search and discovery offer him the true nature of love. It is the eternal Good and it makes the love eternal.

According to Diotima, if one reaches at the highest kevel of ladder he is not confined with the narrow concept of love. It is the an achievement of the true Form of Beauty. It is so worthy that nothing is comparable to it. True Form of Beauty is so charming that it makes life different and noble from the common sorts of things and it leads one to the achievement of the ideal life. The Diotima ladder suggests that one can not be perfect without the achievement of such Beauty.

The Diotima ladder suggests the connection of the souls in love. It focuses on the transformation of the soul from the common matters to something noble and higher. It is the sublimation of the soul and it also inspires one to maintain virtuous life. Love on physical beauty is changeable. But the ladder of Diotima suggests the eternal charm of Love and Beauty. Such love never fades.