Oxford World's Classics: Symposium - Plato

Plato’s Symposium stands as one of the most influential philosophical texts ever written on love. Set during a lively Athenian banquet, the dialogue unfolds as a series of speeches given by notable figures—including Socrates—on the theme of Eros, or passionate love.

This Oxford World's Classics edition, translated by Robin Waterfield, offers a fresh, readable, and scholarly yet accessible version of Plato’s lyrical and layered text. Each speech provides a unique perspective—from comic to celestial—culminating in Socrates’ profound account of Diotima’s teachings on love’s ultimate connection to truth and beauty.

Main Themes of the Book

• Nature of Love (Eros): The many forms of love—from physical attraction to the love of wisdom and truth.
• Philosophical Ascent: Love as a ladder to higher understanding, culminating in the contemplation of the Form of Beauty.
• Immortality through Love: The idea that love can lead to spiritual immortality through creation, be it physical or intellectual.
• Virtue and the Soul: The relationship between love and the cultivation of the soul's virtues.
• The Role of the Philosopher: The philosopher as a lover of wisdom who guides others upward from the corporeal to the divine.

Why you should read " Symposium "

• Foundational Text on Love: It continues to shape how Western culture thinks about love and desire.
• Insightful and Elegant Prose: Robin Waterfield’s translation strikes a balance between poetic style and clarity.
• Timeless Questions: Explores topics still debated today—gender, desire, beauty, and human purpose.
• Rich with Historical Context: Offers a glimpse into ancient Athenian society and its values.
• Essential for Philosophy Lovers: A core text for anyone interested in classical philosophy, literature, or ethics.

Plato’s Symposium is much more than a philosophical treatise—it is a celebration of love’s power to elevate the soul. With speeches that are witty, poetic, and deeply contemplative, this dialogue remains a cornerstone of classical thought and an inspiring meditation on what it means to truly love.