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Discussion Post
Eros is a word with different interpretations. In other words, it is a multifaced emotion
cutting across human relationships' physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Eros is a
Greek concept referring to passionate or sensual desire or love (Jannat, 2022). The word eros
expresses or describes the love between two individuals. In my view, it is the force that goes
beyond pleasure, drawing people together in intimate passion and vulnerability. Eros borrowed
from eroticism is often confused with pornography because they focus on intimate relationships
(Lee, 2021). They also involve sexual desire and serve distinct roles (Kenklies, 2019). Unlike
pornography, eros thrives around passion, affection, and love and has emotional depth (Lee,
2021). It does not reflect violence. Individuals have different understandings depending on their
interpretation. In this discussion post, I will present my version of eros, pointing out how it
differs from pornography.
My understanding, eros is an elusive force often described as passionate and primordial
love. I describe eros as something that brings pleasure, happiness, or enjoyment. Somethings that
make us build intimate bonds while consenting to our actions. I believe eros goes beyond
physical attraction (Kenklies, 2019). It is an inner force involving sexual desire and longing for
spiritual and emotional connection (Jannat, 2022). Defining eros as something compelling us to
seek intimate love confuses what pornography means (Willis, 2018). I believe pornography is
something more substantial than what individuals consider erotic. Unlike eros, pornography does
not need imagination (Willis, 2018). Moreover, Greek mythology is the root of this multifaceted
concept, representing a mischievous and youthful god, personifying desire and love (Jannat,
2022). According to this mythology, eros represented the force or drive that drew individuals
together in passionate unions (Jannat, 2022).
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Drawing insights from the mythological context, I consider eros a divine presence rather
than an abstract idea guiding or determining our actions, desires, and emotions. This desire
drives us to seek deeper, intimate, and harmless connections (Kenklies, 2019). The ultimate goal
is to appreciate beauty and find satisfaction from these passionate unions (Jannat, 2022). I have
understood eros as a desire and an admiration that makes humans long for happiness, pleasure,
love, and intimacy. I believe satisfaction and joy come from mutual respect and unconditional
love. On the contrary, pornography may not always result in happiness because it includes
violence and non-consent (Lee, 2021). Eros is a diverse and gender-inclusive concept because it
can involve an interaction between a man and a woman. In my view, eros positively impacts
human life because people can share their joy and excitement as they please.
I can argue that eros is the force that compels people to explore their dreams while
making themselves vulnerable to others. It is why passionate love can be terrifying and
exhilarating because it includes people surrendering or sacrificing a part of themselves to others.
I understand that ethos extends beyond the love between a man and a woman. It consists of the
love for friends and family, founded on a solid emotional union (Jannat, 2022). You can do
anything to make your friends, partners, and family happy and safe. This is what constitutes eros,
which is different from pornography. In my life, I experience eros, a creative force that inspires
me to cultivate deep and lifelong relationships with friends and family. Therefore, eros has
different meanings depending on one's interpretation because we experience love and desire
differently.
I argue that eros is an emotional union and an intellectual and physical attraction to
others. While this argument reveals similarities to pornography, eros goes beyond the physical
elements of attraction (Willis, 2018). It has some aspects of longing for companionship and
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closeness. Unlike pornography, eros is about vulnerability, shared experiences, and fulfilling our
relational and emotional needs. The idea of attraction, intimate connections, and selfless love
explains what eros means. I believe that people can discover their identities and seek truth when
they seek social and close bonds. It is what constitutes eros. Although eros and pornography
share facets such as desire and intimacy, they differ in multiple ways (Willis, 2018). Apart from
personal relationships, eros exists in artistic expression. It fuels the creation of paintings
conveying the beauty of human relationships.
In conclusion, several facets, such as intimacy, passion, connection, desire, self-
reflection, harmony, beauty, attraction, liberation, and pleasure, define eros. Through eros,
individuals can build a family with selfless behaviors and unbreakable bonds. I think eros holds
people together, making some care for others voluntarily. It is important to note that love and
desire lean more on sexual desires, emotions, and feelings than anything else. Therefore, eros is a
desire, an acquisitive love.
Reply to Discussion Post
Perhaps one can consider your discussion and position on what eros means. I strongly
agree with your perspective on eros. Eros is indeed a multifaceted concept subject to multiple
interpretations. You argued that eros can occur to everyone regardless of gender. It is as
attraction, desire, and admiration rather than anything else. I will add that the ultimate goal of
eros is to appreciate beauty and find satisfaction from these passionate unions (Jannat, 2022). I
support your perspective that people's values and cultural factors influence eros. Your discussion
about the differences between pornography and eros and emphasizing the spiritual element of
eros is relevant (Willis, 2018). However, like any other type of love, eros can manifest through
physical intimacy.
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References
Jannat, N. E. (2022). Untangling pedagogical eros: Toward an erotic model of
education.?Educational Philosophy and Theory,?54(12), 2043-2053.
Kenklies, K. (2019). The struggle to love: pedagogical eros and the gift of
transformation.?Journal of Philosophy of Education,?53(3), 547-559.
Lee, M. J. (2021). Webcam modelling in Korea: censorship, pornography, and eroticism.?Porn
Studies,?8(4), 485-498.
Willis, E. (2018). Feminism, moralism, and pornography. In?Living with contradictions?(pp. 161-
164). Routledge.
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