Plato
What’s inside
Plato’s ‘The Symposium’ is a philosophical text that explores the nature of love through a series of speeches by different characters at a banquet.
You’ll Learn
- Insight into classical philosophical perspectives on love
- Understanding of the dialectical method used in philosophy
- Cultural appreciation of ancient Greek society and thought
- Stimulates deep reflection on the essence and purpose of love
Key Points
- Setting the stage: a banquet in ancient Athens
- Phaedrus praises love as the oldest of gods
- Pausanias distinguishes Common and Heavenly love
- Aristophanes’ comic myth of human nature
- Agathon’s speech on love’s virtues
- Socrates’ discourse on the nature of love
- Alcibiades’ encomium to Socrates
Who’s it For
- Philosophy enthusiasts
- Students of classical literature
- Readers interested in ancient Greek culture
- Those exploring the concept of love
About the author
Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, was a student of Socrates and teacher to Aristotle, shaping Western philosophy and science.