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Book Synopsis

''Perhaps the most entertaining work of philosophy ever written ... the first really systematic and serious attempt to say what love is'' John Armstrong, Guardian

In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on eros, or desire. From their conversation emerges a series of subtle reflections on gender roles, sex in society and the sublimation of basic human instincts. The discussion culminates in a radical challenge to conventional views by Plato''s mentor, Socrates, who advocates transcendence through spiritual love. The Symposium is a deft interweaving of different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love - as a response to beauty, a cosmic force or a path to goodness.

Translated with an Introduction by Christopher Gill



Table of Contents
The SymposiumPreface
Introduction

The Symposium

Notes
Select Bibliography

The Symposium

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    A Paperback / softback by Plato, Christopher Gill, Christopher Gill

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      Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 27/02/2003
      ISBN13: 9780140449273, 978-0140449273
      ISBN10: 0140449272
      Also in:
      Politics, Philosophy & Society Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy Books by Plato

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      ''Perhaps the most entertaining work of philosophy ever written ... the first really systematic and serious attempt to say what love is'' John Armstrong, Guardian

      In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on eros, or desire. From their conversation emerges a series of subtle reflections on gender roles, sex in society and the sublimation of basic human instincts. The discussion culminates in a radical challenge to conventional views by Plato''s mentor, Socrates, who advocates transcendence through spiritual love. The Symposium is a deft interweaving of different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love - as a response to beauty, a cosmic force or a path to goodness.

      Translated with an Introduction by Christopher Gill



      Table of Contents
      The SymposiumPreface
      Introduction

      The Symposium

      Notes
      Select Bibliography

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