PLATO AND SARTRE: THE DIALECTIC OF DESIRE AND LOOK

Abstract

The main goal of these reflections is to show the similarities that exist between Plato’s and Jean-Paul Sartre’s conceptions regarding the “know yourself” and, principally, the question of the dialectic of look and desire. The point, however, is not to claim Plato’s priority and, consequently, to demonstrate that Sartre did nothing but to retake and interpret this problematic adapting it to his own philosophy. The question is rather to underscore the convergence of insights and ideas around the same theme that two philosophers, from different horizons and perspectives, have investigated and deepened. One will note that both thinkers made use of the metaphors of mirror, eyes, pupil and image that the individuals send to each other when they feel contemplated and, therefore, seen face to face. In short, emphasis is placed on the analysis of the roll that the dialectic of look and desire plays through the subjective relations, which Plato and Sartre have considered and examined.

Keywords: Plato. Sartre. Lacan. Dialectic of look. Desire.