Symposium - AIC

Philip Krinks
methodological focus, on truth (alēthē legein, 198d4), it is then the principles of the early speakers
which structure his speech. The principles appear in reverse order. Firstly, there is a discussion of
intrinsic characterisation (poios tis, 201e1). Secondly, there is an enquiry as to the power of erōs
(dunamin, 202e2). Thirdly, there is a search for a complete account (telos echein, 205a3). Fourthly
erōs is examined as praxis (praxei, 206b2). The final focus is on erōs as cause (aition, 207a6).
Corollary conclusions are that Socrates’ speech has a greater degree of methodological
dependency on the earlier speeches than might otherwise appear; and that the early speakers’
methodological focuses serve to unify the dialogue, not only in its early part, but up to at least the
latter part of Socrates’ speech.
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