Philosophy and Agape: on the vital need to eat and drink in global times

Abstract

The article gives an account of the symbolic value of Plato's Banquet based on the importance of the celebration and the party as a characteristic background and characteristic of societies not only in antiquity, but until today. In this celebratory commensality there is no cancellation of the exchange of ideas or dialogue, but rather an incentive to the realization of these, where reflection is combined with the pleasure of eating and sharing with others. It investigates ideas from different wisdom traditions, and also opens up to the multiple ethical and political dimensions in which not all peoples have what is necessary to satisfy vital needs, and an opulent world where food is thrown away and that is opposed to the needs of millions of people who do not have what they need and even millions who die of hunger.