2006-11-19 23:26:16 · 20 answers · asked by ulfat_kamal 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Today, this expression is used to denote a non-sexual love between friends.
It derives from Plato, who wrote about that wonderful selfless love between humans, a love that asks nothing and gives all. A pure love, without sexual desire.
2006-11-20 00:04:33 · answer #1 · answered by simon2blues 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a difference between 'platonic love' as we understand the term and what Plato meant by it. Platonic love today means (often deep) non-sexual relationships. So a platonic friendship might be a deep loving friendship one has with someone, with no sexual feelings involved.
Contrary to a few other answers, Plato did not mean this. For him platonic love *could* involve sex, and/or sexual feelings, and often did - but that this love (eros) should not overcome and interfere with your friendship love for the person. Platonic love was ideal - it aimed at the important, long-lasting things in a relationship. Sex with this person may be restrained, perhaps indefinitely - but sexual desires, passion and feelings for them may still exist.
Platonic love today has therefore taken on a slightly different meaning from what platonic love was for Plato.
2006-11-21 00:12:18 · answer #2 · answered by Airhead 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The word "platonic" invented long , long ago, when heterosexualism was in vogue, is really out of place in today`s context. Still the feelings behind it has relevance today.
In everyone`s life there would come a time , when they would feel opening their heart much more. When you vibe with someone with similar feelings of deep, intimate relationship you are really unburdened . Generally , when a man and a woman have such a close relationship ,the logical step THAT OTHERS EXPECT OF THEM is " They have opened their hearts so much. Opening their dress is just a matter of time" In fact, that a man and a woman can set aside this physical relationship and still share is something that the world wants to call differently...Platonic.
I have had such relationship and I can vouch that it is love at its peak.
2006-11-19 23:59:56 · answer #3 · answered by YD 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically, its an ideal love where the object responds to the subject's needs and aspirations. Therefore, a platonic relationship doesn't implicitly call for a reciprocal response by the "loved one" though it may receive a spiritual not bodily encouragement.
2006-11-20 01:07:51 · answer #4 · answered by Giralda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"platonic" means something that follows the teachings of Plato. one of his main philosophical lessons was about transcedning the physical. so platonic love is an expression of a strong affinity towards another person that transcends physical desires. it is more of a "spiritual" nature. like having a bond so close to a person you love them as though you shared the same womb.
2006-11-20 02:47:40 · answer #5 · answered by tidricka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True love is friendship, passion and commitment.
Platonic love is friendship and commitment with the absence of passion.
2006-11-20 07:15:21 · answer #6 · answered by bollywoodturtle 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Platonic love is love with the absence of sexual desire.
2006-11-20 02:04:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
adj 1: of or relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy; "Platonic dialogues" [syn: Platonic] 2: free from physical desire; "platonic love"
2006-11-19 23:29:44 · answer #8 · answered by ~Leading Lady~ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means love which comes from the heart and soul, and has no physical or material sides to it.
2006-11-19 23:28:42 · answer #9 · answered by rinah 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ulfat_Kam,
It would like the love you have for your sister. True love without a sexual plaform.
TDCWH
2006-11-19 23:32:39 · answer #10 · answered by TDCWH 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋