Συμπόσιον : ή περί έρωτος

by Plato

"Συμπόσιον : ή περί έρωτος" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written c. 385-370 BC. At a banquet in ancient Athens, notable men including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes engage in a contest of speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each speaker explores love's nature—from inspiring courage and great deeds to transcending earthly desire for spiritual heights. Through conflicting ideas and perspectives, the dialogue examines what love truly means, blending philosophical depth with literary artistry in one of Plato's major works.