
Symposium
by Plato
- First published
- 1875
- Reading level
- Plain English
- Price
- Free
About the book
"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.
- Classical literature
- Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC
- Philosophy, Ancient
- Love
Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #1600. Symposium on Wikipedia.











