Why It Matters Today
Plato's 'The Symposium' explores timeless questions about love, beauty, and human connection that remain relevant amidst today's social debates and digital age of online relationships.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
Love as a pursuit of the divine and eternal
Seeking love isn't just about attraction; it's about connecting with something infinite and perfect.
The importance of self-awareness and virtue in love
To love well, you need to understand yourself and pursue goodness.
What You'll Learn
- How ancient philosophers viewed love and beauty
- The different speeches praising love from various thinkers
- The concept of love as a divine force in human life
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Students of philosophy or literature
- Readers interested in classical thought and human relationships
- Anyone curious about the origins of Western ideas of love
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Readers looking for practical life advice
- Those uninterested in philosophical debates
- People preferring fast-paced narratives
Controversies & Critiques
- Modern critics might challenge Plato's idealization of love and its focus on the spiritual over the physical
- Some may find the historical context too distant to relate to modern life
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Basic knowledge of Greek philosophy and Socrates
- Familiarity with Plato's other works or general Greek history
After Reading
- Explore Plato's 'The Republic' for ideas on justice and the ideal state
- Read about Aristotle's take on love and friendship
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Classic literature lovers, Philosophy enthusiasts, Readers interested in the history of ideas
Classification Details
Author
Plato
Published
-385
Language
English
Subjects
Classical literature, Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC, Philosophy, Ancient, Love -- Early works to 1800
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
