SYMPOSIUM by PLATO

Plato's "Symposium" is a philosophical dialogue set at a banquet attended by prominent figures of ancient Athens. The central theme of the dialogue is the nature of love, explored through a series of speeches given by different characters. Each speaker presents their views on love, ranging from the physical to the intellectual aspects.

The dialogue begins with the playwright Aristophanes discussing a mythological account of human origins, suggesting that love is the pursuit of one's lost half. Other speakers, including Socrates, explore the concept of love in relation to beauty, knowledge, and virtue. Socrates' speech recounts a conversation with the wise woman Diotima, who introduces the idea of love as the pursuit of eternal and transcendent beauty, ultimately leading to the contemplation of the divine.

As the evening unfolds, the characters engage in witty and intellectual exchanges, exploring the complexities of love in its various forms. The "Symposium" concludes with the idea that the highest form of love involves transcending physical desire and ascending to a higher realm of intellectual and spiritual connection.

Plato's "Symposium" is a rich and multi-layered dialogue that delves into the nature of love, offering insights into the philosophical, psychological, and metaphysical aspects of this complex human experience.