Plato’s “Symposium,” written in 385 BC, is one of the most fascinating philosophical texts from ancient Greece. It delves into the nature of love, known as “Eros” in Greek. The “Symposium” narrates a dinner party in Athens at the home of the famous playwright Agathon, where prominent figures gather to discuss the essence of love.
The symposium takes place in a lively setting, with guests lounging on couches, enjoying delicious roasted food, vegetables, and fine wine. As the evening unfolds, Agathon, the host, suggests that each guest share their thoughts on love. This proposal sets the stage for a series of philosophical discussions, culminating in Socrates’ profound theory of love.
Plato saves the most intriguing theory for Socrates, who introduces the concept of the “Ladder of Love.” After listening to the other guests, some of whom are quite tipsy, Socrates presents his idea that love starts with a physical attraction to someone’s appearance—what we now call romantic or sexual love. However, Socrates stresses that this is just the beginning, not the essence of love.
According to Socrates, loving one beautiful person is an invitation to embark on a journey up the “Ladder of Love.” This journey, pursued thoughtfully and with dignity, leads to an appreciation of higher ideals such as wisdom, truth, morality, and goodness. Plato does not view physical attraction as negative; instead, he sees it as a natural starting point for a deeper exploration of love.
The ascent begins with the love of a specific beautiful individual and progresses to a love of beauty in people generally. From there, one moves from physical beauty to intellectual beauty, the kind found in philosophy or the laws of a city. As one becomes skilled at recognizing this kind of beauty, they learn to appreciate the charm of a beautiful mind, even in an unattractive body.
Ultimately, the true student of love reaches the top of the ladder, where they can love what Plato calls “The Form of Beauty” itself, synonymous with wisdom and goodness. This journey explains why the sight of a beautiful person can deeply move us; it is an invitation to ascend the ladder toward wisdom.
Plato’s argument challenges the idea that an interest in beauty is shallow. Instead, he suggests that it is the starting point for a profound exploration of love. This perspective encourages us to believe that beauty exists beyond a single individual and can be found in unexpected places. The beauty of the mind is linked to, but superior to, that of the body. One might begin with a desire for a beautiful body, but the ultimate goal is a love of philosophy and truth.
Plato’s “Symposium” remains relevant today as it encourages us to look beyond the superficial aspects of love and beauty. It invites us to consider how our initial attractions can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By recognizing the potential for growth inherent in our experiences of love, we can strive for a more profound connection with the ideals of wisdom and goodness.
In today’s society, where physical appearance often takes precedence, Plato’s insights remind us of the importance of cultivating intellectual and moral beauty. By ascending the Ladder of Love, we can enrich our lives and relationships, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling existence.
Organize a modern-day symposium with your classmates. Each participant should prepare a short presentation on a contemporary aspect of love, drawing parallels to the themes discussed in Plato’s “Symposium.” This activity will help you engage with the text and explore its relevance in today’s world.
Write a short story or poem that illustrates the journey up the “Ladder of Love.” Use Socrates’ concept as a framework to explore how love evolves from physical attraction to an appreciation of intellectual and moral beauty. Share your work with the class to inspire discussion and reflection.
Participate in a debate on the merits of physical versus intellectual beauty. Use arguments from Plato’s “Symposium” to support your stance. This exercise will enhance your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of the philosophical concepts presented in the text.
Pair up with a classmate and engage in a philosophical dialogue, emulating the style of the discussions in the “Symposium.” Choose a specific aspect of love to explore, and take turns presenting your views. This activity will help you practice articulating complex ideas and responding to differing perspectives.
Create an art piece that represents Plato’s “Form of Beauty.” Use any medium you prefer, such as painting, sculpture, or digital art. Display your work in a class exhibition and explain how it captures the essence of the philosophical ideals discussed in the “Symposium.”
Love – A profound and caring affection towards someone or something, often explored in philosophical texts as a fundamental human experience. – In Plato’s “Symposium,” love is examined as a driving force that leads the soul toward the divine.
Eros – A concept of passionate love or desire, often discussed in philosophical and literary contexts as a motivating force in human behavior. – Eros is depicted in Greek philosophy as a powerful force that can lead individuals to seek beauty and truth.
Beauty – A quality that gives pleasure to the senses or exalts the mind or spirit, frequently analyzed in aesthetics as an essential aspect of art and nature. – In “The Republic,” Plato suggests that beauty is a reflection of the true form of goodness.
Wisdom – The ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, and insight, often regarded as a virtue in philosophical discourse. – Socrates is often portrayed as a seeker of wisdom, questioning those who claim to possess it.
Truth – The property of being in accord with fact or reality, a central theme in philosophy concerning the nature of knowledge and belief. – In his allegory of the cave, Plato explores the concept of truth and the philosopher’s journey to understand it.
Morality – Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior, a major topic in ethical philosophy. – Kant’s philosophy emphasizes the role of duty and reason in determining morality.
Goodness – The quality of being morally good or virtuous, often discussed in philosophical texts as an ideal to strive for. – Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” explores the concept of goodness as the ultimate goal of human life.
Philosophy – The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. – Philosophy encourages critical thinking and the exploration of profound questions about life and the universe.
Socrates – An ancient Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology, often regarded as one of the founders of Western philosophy. – Socrates is famous for his method of questioning, which seeks to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.
Ascent – The act of rising or climbing up, often used metaphorically in philosophy to describe the soul’s journey towards higher understanding or enlightenment. – In “The Republic,” Plato describes the ascent of the soul from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge.
