Aristotle's Metaphysics and Plato's Symposium

Vocabulary flashcards covering Aristotle's physics, hylomorphism, the doctrine of four causes, and the characters, structure, and themes of Plato's 'Symposium'.

Hylomorphism

Aristotle's doctrine that individual primary beings are composites of matter and form.

Form (Aristotelian)

The organization or arrangement of a thing's material constituents, which Aristotle identifies with the nature of that thing.

De Anima

Aristotle's work (translated as 'On the Soul') in which he defines the soul as the form or organization of an organism together with the vital capacities that form enables.

Doctrine of the Four Causes

Aristotle's principle from the 'Physics' stating that genuine knowledge of an object requires understanding its material, efficient, formal, and final causes.

Material Cause

The physical substance or materials out of which an object is made, such as bricks and wood used to build a house.

Efficient Cause

The moving principle or agency that acts upon matter to give it form, such as the builder of a house.

Formal Cause

The essential character, structure, or form that makes an entity the specific sort of thing that it is.

Final Cause

The end, purpose, or that for the sake of which an entity exists, such as providing shelter in the case of a house.

Symposium (Historical Meaning)

An ancient Greek drinking party where men gathered on couches to drink wine and converse.

Agathon

An Athenian tragic dramatist who hosts the celebratory gathering featured in Plato's 'Symposium'.

Eryximachus

A doctor in attendance at the symposium who proposes the speech-giving contest in praise of love and characterizes love as a force of harmony and moderation.

Phaedrus

A sophist who delivers the first speech in Plato's 'Symposium', arguing that love motivates individuals to become better people.

Common Love (Vulgar Love)

In Pausanias's speech, a lower, physical attraction directed toward the body rather than the soul, described as unpredictable and random in its effects.

Heavenly Love (Noble Love)

In Pausanias's speech, a higher, spiritual and intellectual form of love focused on virtue, character, and the development of the mind.

Aristophanes

An Athenian comic playwright who presents a lighthearted myth in the 'Symposium' depicting love as humans searching for their severed 'other half'.

The Clouds

A satirical comedy written by Aristophanes that parodies and mocks the philosopher Socrates.

Diotima

The wise woman whom Socrates credits with teaching him the philosophy and true nature of love during his youth.

Alcibiades

A prominent Athenian who arrives at Agathon's symposium late and intoxicated with a raucous crowd, ultimately joining the party.

Apollodorus

The narrator of Plato's 'Symposium' who retells the story of the banquet second-hand to an unnamed acquaintance.

Aristodemus

An uninvited follower of Socrates who accompanies him to Agathon's feast after finding Socrates freshly bathed and wearing fancy sandals.