Love in 'The Symposium'

Paper Summary:

This philosophical study presents an analysis on 'The Symposium' by Plato. The writer shows that 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, the writer points out the dictates that love brings through the representation of a dualistic `god' of love embodied within the message of Diotima.

From the Paper:

"In this manner, the sequential structure of speeches and themes of love is the forum of debate in Greek philosophical thought within The Symposium by Plato. By understanding the three agons in the dialogues, one can realize 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. "

More papers on Love in 'The Symposium' :

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• Analytical Essay # 116407 : "Definition of Love in the "Symposium"
• Analytical Essay # 139553 : "Love in Plato's "Speech of Diotima" and Ovid's "Orpheus"

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