The contributions of Socrates to the field of philosophy majorly involved the incorporation of a new approach to knowledge. It also focused on the comprehension of the soul as an anchor of both the consciousness and moral character in people. Most importantly it provided a perspective of the universe as an entity that had been mind-ordered. In Plato's Charmides, Socrates is painted as being attracted to fellow men.
A number of incidences do single out his affection for men. For instance when he says: “[Charmides] gave me such a look that I was helplessand all those in the palaestra gathered around us in a circle, then indeed, my good man, I saw inside his [Charmides’] cloak and I was on fire and no longer in control of myself” (Plato, Charmides 155 d).
However, this does not define and influence the philosophy of Socrates significantly. His views on homosexuality are not necessarily reflected in his teachings and arguments. In as much as he exhibited homoerotic behavior, he did, however, view it differently as compared to the Athenian aristocrats going on to even develop suspicion for his sexual attraction (Charmides 155 d-e).
Socrates made an effort to maintain his relations with fellow men on an intellectual level and thus distancing his sexual desires from his philosophy. For one to argue that Plato's Charmides depicted a degree of influence of homosexuality in Socrates philosophy would be a huge misconception on his views regarding the very same act. The depiction of Socrates as having a liking for fellow men does not underpin the basis of his philosophy. Plato’s view of Socrates and his sexuality does bring about a new perspective of understanding his view of sensual love and desire, but it does not provide a solid framework upon which one can argue that it influenced his philosophy.
Work Cited
Hubbard, Thomas K. Homosexuality in Greece and Rome: A sourcebook of basic documents. Univ of California Press, 2003.
