Platonic love in its modern sense is an affectionate relationship into which the sexual element does not enter, especially in cases where one might easily assume otherwise.

The term amor platonicus was coined as early as the 15th Century by Marsilio Ficino, as a synonym for "amor socraticus", referring to the affection between Socrates and his pupils. This type of love dictates a non-sexual relationship between an older member and younger member of the same gender.

The English term dates back as far as Sir William Davenant's Platonic Lovers (1636). It is derived from the concept in Plato's Symposium, of the love of the idea of good which lies at the root of all virtue and truth.

A simple example of platonic relationships is friendship between the opposite sexes. Although believed to be non-existant by some people, others believe that it is quite possible to ignore physical aspects of a person and share a close relationship at the same time.

Quotes

• "Platonic Love is a fool's name for the affection between a disability and a frost." – Ambrose Bierce
• "I am convinced, and always was, that Platonic love is Platonic nonsense." – Samuel Richardson

See also

• Sexual abstinence
• Asexuality