by Plato (Author), RichardRutherford (Introduction), TomGriffith (Introduction)
It has been said that, after the Bible, Plato's dialogues are the most influential books in Western culture. And of the dialogues, the Symposium is the most delightful and accessible, requiring no special knowledge of ancient Greek philosophy or customs. Dramatizing a party in fifth-century B.C. Athens, the deceptively unassuming Symposium introduces--in the guise of convivial after-dinner conversation--profound ideas about the nature of love. In Phaedrus, here published together with the Symposium, Plato discusses the place of eloquence in expounding truth. In both dialogues, Socrates plays the leading role, by turns teasing, arguing, analyzing, joking, inspiring, and cajoling his followers into understanding ideas that have remained central to Western thought through the centuries.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 256
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Everyman's Library
Published: 22 Dec 2000
ISBN 10: 1857151941
ISBN 13: 9781857151947