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Compare and contrast the idea of eros as the “stairs of love” in Socrates’ discussion in the Symposium with St. Paul’s idea of agape in Corinthians. What do they have in common?

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User Machow
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Final answer:

In Socrates' discussion in the Symposium, eros is described as the "stairs of love," while St. Paul's idea of agape is portrayed as selfless and unconditional love. They both emphasize the transformative nature of love and require a deep emotional connection and willingness to give of oneself.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Plato's Symposium, Socrates describes eros as the "stairs of love." He explains that eros is a ladder that leads an individual from the physical world to the realm of spiritual beauty. It is a passionate and intense form of love that seeks to transcend the material world and ascend towards a higher form of existence.

In St. Paul's Corinthians, the concept of agape is presented as a selfless and unconditional love. Agape is a love that is based on compassion, kindness, and understanding. It is a love that seeks the well-being and happiness of others, without expecting anything in return.

While eros and agape may seem different, they do share some commonalities. Both concepts emphasize the transformative nature of love. Eros and agape both strive to elevate individuals beyond their self-centered desires and connect them to something greater. Additionally, both forms of love require a deep emotional connection and a willingness to give of oneself.

User Xiaofei
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Eros refers to a passionate love for union, and it’s important to note up front that eros (or erotic love) does not simply refer to sex. At the deepest level, it’s a love for truth, beauty and goodness which calls someone outside of themselves. Outside of sex, eros might, for example, refer to an attraction towards beautiful art or the desire to know the truth.

Agape refers to selfless love, as when someone gives up one’s life for another. Many people think these two kinds of love are opposed to each other, and this is especially the case with sex, which is a kind of eros or erotic love. Doesn’t selfless love contradict sexual love or erotic love? Sexual love seeks sexual satisfaction, and how can sexual satisfaction be selfless? These are important questions, and the answer to these questions highlights the beauty of the sacrament of marriage.

Step-by-step explanation:

this is what I learned in school abt this hopefully its along the lines of what you need?

User Phreed
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