Symposium and Phaedrus

Dover thrift editions

by

92 pages

English language

Published Nov. 5, 1993 by Dover Publications.

ISBN:
978-0-486-27798-1
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OCLC Number:
28962373

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4 stars (3 reviews)

In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on eros, or desire. From their conversation emerges a series of subtle reflections on gender roles, sex in society, and the sublimation of basic human instincts. The discussion culminates in a radical challenge to conventional views by Plato's mentor, Socrates, who advocates transcendence through spiritual love. The Symposium is a deft interweaving of different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love - as a response to beauty, a cosmic force, a motive for social action, and as a means of ethical education.

46 editions

reviewed Symposium and Phaedrus by Πλάτων

Review of 'Symposium and Phaedrus' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Following his excellent method of Socratic dialogues, Plato discusses the origins, concepts and the kinds of love. Symposium hangs between reality and myth, with the participants of the dialogues to contribute their own views about love. Through the dialogues, the reader is not overwhelmed by strict philosophical context, but he is given insight to the daily life of the ancient Athenians with short refreshing breaks from the contemplation. Phaedrus talks about the concepts of lover and non-lover, but also Socrates (Plato) analyzes the functions of rhetoric and writing and whether an orator or writer should be allowed to implement these functions. Finally, sometimes as usual the discourses become confusing to the common reader, but the meaning is easily comprehensible at the end.

reviewed Symposium and Phaedrus by Πλάτων

Review of 'Symposium and Phaedrus' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Following his excellent method of Socratic dialogues, Plato discusses the origins, concepts and the kinds of love. Symposium hangs between reality and myth, with the participants of the dialogues to contribute their own views about love. Through the dialogues, the reader is not overwhelmed by strict philosophical context, but he is given insight to the daily life of the ancient Athenians with short refreshing breaks from the contemplation. Phaedrus talks about the concepts of lover and non-lover, but also Socrates (Plato) analyzes the functions of rhetoric and writing and whether an orator or writer should be allowed to implement these functions. Finally, sometimes as usual the discourses become confusing to the common reader, but the meaning is easily comprehensible at the end.

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3 stars

Subjects

  • Socrates
  • Love -- Early works to 1800
  • Soul -- Early works to 1800
  • Rhetoric -- Early works to 1800