What Is the Meaning of Platonic?

Greek philosopher, Plato, stands behind the word "platonic"

Greek philosopher Plato is considered by many to be one of the greatest minds in ancient times. During his lifetime he wrote on many topics including ethics, philosophy, psychology. His most widely-known work, "Republic," was his vision of an Utopian society.

Platonic

Platonic is essentially a word referring to Plato. This can be referring to Plato himself or his teachings. In Ancient Greece, Plato was well respected and many people followed his teachings. By studying the philosopher's Platonic teachings, these followers were called Platonists.

Platonic Love

Platonic love is described as a love of friendship between two members of the opposite sex without sexual desires. In Plato's writings he referred to his idea of ideal love as when one person loves another for their mind and technically what we call "the beauty within." It was also Plato's teachings that referred to this love, not necessarily between and man and woman, but between two men where one was in a teacher position and the other was a student. The prime subjects that Plato used was his teacher Socrates and Socrates' student Alcibiades.

Other Meanings

The word Platonic also refers to shapes that take on a 3D effect such as hexahedron (cube), octohedron, icosahedron and a few others.

References

• Platonic: WebsterDictionary
• Plato: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
• Plato: PhilosophyPages
• Eight Platonic Love:Cambridge Collections Online