By comparing the role of harmony in
Eryximachus’ discourse (specifically in
Symposium 187 a 1-188 a 1) with other
Platonic passages, especially from the
Timaeus, this article aims to provide textual
evidence concerning Plato’s conception of
cosmological medicine as “harmonic techne”.
The comparison with other dialogues will
enable us to demonstrate how Eryximachus’
thesis is consistent with Plato’s cosmology —
a cosmology which cannot be reduced to a
physical conception of reality but represents the
expression of a dialectical and erotic cosmos,
characterized by the agreement of parts.
Arguably, Eryximachus’ discourse is expression
of the Platonic tendency to translate onto the
philosophical plane the implications of a model
peri physeos. Harmonic techne is thus always
linked to the theme of moral responsibility: the philosopher is also doctor, musician and
demiurges in his harmonizing activity. The
speech of Eryximachus can be approached
as a Platonic step which is fundamental for
establishing the need for a “medicine” to cure
disorder, with a view to obtaining a cosmos
ordered according to the harmonic principle.
