SYMPOSIUM
Plato

Plato's "Symposium" is a foundational text in Western philosophy that explores the nature of love through a series of speeches given by various characters at a banquet. The dialogue is set at a dinner party hosted by the playwright Agathon, where notable figures such as Socrates, Aristophanes, and Alcibiades discuss the concept of love (Eros). Each speaker offers a unique perspective on the origins, purpose, and different forms of love, ranging from the physical to the spiritual. Socrates' speech, influenced by his teacher Diotima, delves into the idea of love as a ladder of ascent, leading from physical attraction to the love of pure, divine beauty. "Symposium" is renowned for its rich philosophical discourse, literary elegance, and profound insights into human desire and the pursuit of truth.