Eros

This book pursues two goals: First, to present the philosophical Eros through the exegesis of the dialogue "Symposium," and second, to outline Eros' path as an introduction to Plato's philosophy. Through the experiences with many beautiful things and people that every individual naturally has from birth, the theme of the "Symposium" - the love of beauty - reveals itself as the simplest and most wonderful introduction to Plato's philosophy. The view that Plato not only imparts brilliant teachings or deeply grounded insights, but that his dialogues aim to teach the reader to philosophize and to shape them into a living philosopher, distinguishes Vasile Pan's approach from other interpretations. Accordingly, a series of philosophical and dialectical exercises are developed here, which encourage both independent thinking and self-formation. The transformation of the soul through philosophizing is a key that opens up old paths anew. What is understood today as spiritual love has its source in Europe, in Plato, in the love of beauty, which still offers one of the most enthusiastic and truest paths to cosmic consciousness.