Diotima of Mantinea

Diotima of Mantinea is the name given to a character in Plato's dialogue "Symposium", who is presented as a teacher of Socrates and the source of his philosophy of love (Eros). While Plato's account is the primary source of information about her, her historical existence has been debated, with many scholars believing her to be a fictional creation. If historical, she lived around 440 BC in Mantinea, Arcadia. In the Symposium, Socrates recounts Diotima's teachings, which present Eros not as a god, but as a daimon, the child of Poros (Resource) and Penia (Poverty). This lineage explains Eros's constant striving and desire for what is lacking. Diotima describes a "Ladder of Love," a process through which one ascends from the love of physical beauty to the love of souls, then to the love of knowledge and institutions, and finally to the contemplation of Beauty itself. Her teachings are central to the concept of Platonic love, emphasizing the pursuit of higher, non-physical forms of beauty and understanding. Diotima is also depicted as a priestess and seer, skilled in matters of sacrifice and divine communication, which further enriches her characterization within the dialogue. Her foreign status (xene) and wisdom in various matters, including delaying the Plague of Athens, highlight her unique position and influence.