The Symposium (Penguin Classics) Paperback – 27 Feb. 2003

The Symposium is a classic dialogue of Plato's and is set during an ancient Greek drinking party, with the discussion revolving around Love/Desire. As well as a philosophical work, it is a fantastic piece of history and the scene of the party is so well presented that you really do get a sense of the social scene in ancient Greece at the time (circa 400BC).I am quite new myself to the works of Plato and philosophy in general, so I can't offer up a discussion of how it fits into the wider scheme of things but I can say that Symposium is an enjoyable and interesting discussion. Whether the ideas presented in this dialogue are scientifically or even philosophically relevant now I'm not too sure, but it's still a wonderful piece of ancient Greece, complete with the usual references to Greek Gods and Goddesses and musings on the mystery of love. You may be as surprised as I was to read that nearly all references to love and lovers are concerning man and boy relationships, rather than heterosexual relationships, though this is not really important to the nature of love as is discussed. It seems to have been a much more acceptable and normal practice to the ancient Greeks, than it is in the modern world.Some of Penguin classic' series on Plato's dialogues can be difficult to read, being interspersed with lengthy commentary and footnotes, though that this does not happen with this book. The dialogue is unbroken by any commentary and this is better for the reader, as it allows him or her to produce their own understanding of the text. There is a lengthy introduction and closing notes, though if you do intend to read these then these are best read after you have read the dialogue, again so as not to be influenced by the ideas and conclusions of someone else.All in all, this a fairly short but enjoyable book, that is an interesting and an enlightening glimpse into the social and philosophical beginnings of western civilisation.

Written in the 4th century BC, "The Symposium" by Plato is one of the most famous works by the greatest philosopher ever. This time Socrates discusses the nature and mystery of love with a group of friends during a drinking feast. “The Symposium” is probably best known for the introduction of Platonic Love, the description of the ancient Greek ideal of love between an older man and an adolescent boy, and the speech of the comic play write Aristophanes in which he explains that love is a curse of the Gods that has resulted in everybody looking for their lost other half.As with all of Plato’s works, “The Symposium” requires concentrated reading, but Plato’s prose, the introduction, the excellent explanatory notes and the modern translation make this a highly enjoyable read. Inevitably, there are some outdated and strange ideas addressed in this work, but overall I was impressed by how modern and recognisable most of the ideas on love feel. Plato is as timeless as love is.Inspired by Peter Adamson’s podcast and books, Classical Philosophy: A history of philosophy without any gaps, Volume 1, I have started reading the sources of philosophy. “The Symposium” is a great introduction.

I rather enjoyed this even though it was not what I was expecting. From what little I knew I was aware there was a discussion of sexual ethics but what I hadn't realised was that it was largely homo-erotic relationships. I found the progression from the physical beauty, to mental beauty on to the form of beauty a fascinating sequence. In many ways modern sexual ethics isn't too dissimilar, and indeed you could imagine this book was written recently, however we've lost the bettering of the loved.

This is a really good book and I'd recommend it if anyone is interested in ancient Greece or philosophy, or just wants a good, challenging read. It really does lay out some interesting ideas and is really worth the read

Plato never prescribes a "correct" view on Eros, instead proposing several different ideas for the reader to ponder on. This sort of writing, where Plato pretends he is a character with certain beliefs (that aren't his own), is extremely convincing and well-done.

Very funny and good book. I like the aristophanes fella, hope he releases something as well.. maybe a play or two?

Plato's 'Symposium' is one of the great philosophical works I have ever read.In short - which is what this book is - the scene is an intellectual debate between multiple men on the topic of Love as both sexual love, and desire.The introduction is very precise and informative, however, I suggest reading it after reader the text (which is only 63 pages). This is because the text itself is easy to read, and the introduction opts to discuss how to read it, whereas is best used as a concise outline of what each man says,Plato is a genius, I suggest his other works also.Also, Aristophanes' eulogy is hilarious and surprisingly pretty logical.

There are a lot of homosexual love references in this dialogue that involves a young boy/ boyfriend being chased after by older men. They exchange by the young boy gratifying the man and the man giving his wisdom in return. Socrates is apparently one of them. If you want to read about it, this book is for you.