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Symposium

by Plato (-428–-348)

  • Free to read
  • 2 hours to read
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"Symposium" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written between 385-370 BC. At a banquet in ancient Athens, notable figures including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes engage in a contest of speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each man offers his perspective on love's nature and power—from inspiring battlefield courage to transcending earthly desire. Through conflicting ideas and shifting viewpoints, the dialogue explores love's deepest meanings while showcasing both philosophical depth and literary artistry.

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  • Classical literature
  • Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC
  • Philosophy, Ancient
  • Love · Early works to 1800

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Produced by Sue Asscher

SYMPOSIUM

By Plato

Translated by Benjamin Jowett

INTRODUCTION.

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About this edition

This free edition of Symposium by Plato comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #1600, released 1999-01-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Classics of Literature, Philosophy & Ethics.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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