Erōs, Philosophy, and Tyranny*

Eros Tyrannos: Alcibiades as the Model of the Tyrant in Book IX of the Republic

“…the eros in question seems to be sexual, although it is hard to say what the object of this eros is", Parry (2007), 395. Scott (2007), 140, emphasizes that "the tyrant-makers engender a specifijic kind of desire that has a unique capacity to transform the soul", but he does not explain what this transformative eros consists in.…”

“…On paranomía, see Wohl (2002), 129-144, Larivée (2005), 177-80. The following translations do not seem strong enough: Parry (2007), 395: "outlaw appetites"; Scott (2007), 139: "lawless desires"; Chambry, Robin, Leroux: "désirs déréglés". These translations overlook the transgressive and monstrous aspect of the desires we are concerned with here.…”

“…Benardete (1989), 205. Scott (2007), 139, echoes this: "lawless desires are inherently destructive of society and of the relations that should exist between human beings (. .…”

“…Besides the fact that both are 'erotic' and obsessed, the philosopher and the tyrant have a problematic relationship with society. Scott (2007), 151-52, holds that the philosopher is "asocial" and that the tyrant is "anti-social", while Ludwig (2007), 230, describes the philosophers as "anomian" and the tyrant as "antinomian". This distinction, which does not seem to me entirely satisfactory, would demand a whole study in itself.…”

“…One who is motivated by eros does not exhibit dissipation and fragmentation," and especially Dixsaut (2001) "Dire oui à Erôs, c'est toujours à nouveau dire non à tout le reste", 138. 62) Scott (2007). Ludwig (2007), 230, asserts that the philosopher is the "erotic counterpart" to the tyrant; according to O'Connor (2007), 66, "the potential philosopher is also the potential tyrant"; Chanteur (1980), 170, asks for her part: "Le tyran ne serait-il qu'un philosophe qui n'a pas reçu l'éducation qui lui convient?…”