"The Symposium"

Paper Summary:

In this paper, it is shown that the sequential structure and themes of love are the forum of debate in Greek philosophical thought within "The Symposium" by Plato. By understanding the three agons in the dialogues, the paper shows how the various precepts of love through varying opinions in society are related to a cohesive whole. In effect, all societal views of love are not right or wrong, since both mortal man and god are unified through love, which Socrates imparts through the wisdom of Diotima.

From the Paper:

"This philosophical study will present a book report on The Symposium by Plato. The basis of Plato's dialogues reflect the beliefs and truths about love in ancient Greek thought, through the differing societal opinions offered by the leading philosophers of Athens. By presenting the various speeches and commentaries on love that the characters of this symposium represent, one can realize the dictates that love bring through the representation of a dualistic `god' of love embodied within the message of Diotima. The whole basis of love is the objective of Plato's The Symposium in projecting how love is seen in Grecian philosophy. Diotima is the central aspect of how love defined through the dramatic discussions held between various figures, such as Appollodorus, Phaedrus and others that are also seen within Plato's Dialogues."

More papers on "The Symposium" :

• Essay # 89782 : "Love in 'The Symposium' "
• Analytical Essay # 137154 : "The Socratic Diotima in Plato's "The Symposium"
• Analytical Essay # 116407 : "Definition of Love in the "Symposium"
• Essay # 137990 : "Arguing for the Socratic Attainment of Knowledge and Wisdom of Diotima (Love) in The Symposium by Plato "

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