Plato's cosmological medicine in the discourse of Eryximachus in the Symposium. The responsibility of a harmonic techne

Abstract

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.