PhD - The Memory of Virtue: Immortality and Kleos in Plato’s Symposium (original) (raw)

This thesis analyzes the concept of immortality within Plato's Symposium, emphasizing its unique presentation compared to the typical discussion of the soul's immortality in Platonism. It introduces a 'kleos model' of immortality, wherein individuals persist through memory within the living world, deviating from traditional notions of post-mortem existence. Through a thorough examination of the narrative structure, themes, and character interactions in the Symposium, the thesis posits that the treatment of immortality is integral to the entire dialogue, challenging prior interpretations and highlighting its complex layers.