Plato's Symposium Audiobook By Plato cover art

Plato's Symposium

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Plato's Symposium

By: Plato
Narrated by: Ray Childs
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About this listen

The dramatic nature of Plato's dialogues is delightfully evident in Symposium. The marriage between character and thought bursts forth as the guests gather at Agathon's house to celebrate the success of his first tragedy. With wit and insight, they all present their ideas about love - from Erixymachus' scientific naturalism to Aristophanes' comic fantasy. The unexpected arrival of Alcibiades breaks the spell cast by Diotima's ethereal climb up the staircase of love to beauty itself. Ecstasy and intoxication clash as Plato concludes with one of his most skillful displays of dialectic.

© Agora Publications

Public Domain (P)2015 Agora, New Internet Technologies
Philosophy
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What listeners say about Plato's Symposium

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a little weird, but interesting

The book is about a drinking party that decides to bring up a topic about the Greek god, Eros. Eros, being the god of love, attracted the party-goers towards how love is portrayed and how it rewards those who perform it, by giving a kind of praise to Eros.

But then when it was Socrates turn, he used his usual method to attempt to get to what love truly was and why. Intriguing how the ancient world approaches the subject.

The reading was superb! I almost felt like I was that friend invited to the party, hoping no one asks me to contribute to the conversation and let me drink my wine in peace. (I listened to this as work, so I didn't get to drink wine D: )

The story was ok but was little bit like culture shock. It was easy to follow, as long as you have some idea of Greek mythology (which i somewhat lack). But don't worry, if you keep listening and have google at the ready, it isn't impossible.

At this point you should know this is philosophy so a juicy love story is a quest best searched elsewhere.

tl;dr interesting and awkward.

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Volume changes but Plato is incredible!

The voices go up and down in volume making it difficult sometimes to maintain the desire able volume level with earbuds. On the other hand, Plato’s origin of man & two half’s that used to be whole is one of my favorite myths of all!

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very good voices

great story, great voice acting especially from socrates, whoever does his voice is amazing, would listen again

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Loved It

Symposium is not my favorite dialog to read, but it is my favorite to listen to. This audio-book gave me that feeling like I wanted to cry, not because I was sad, but because I was so moved. If you're into this feeling, you should definitely listen carefully to this book. You'll love it.

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A Thought Provoking Exploration!

Plato's "Symposium" is a philosophical work that takes the form of a series of speeches delivered at a dinner party. The dialogue explores the nature of love and its various manifestations.

Each speech presents a different perspective on love, ranging from physical desire to spiritual connection. Through these diverse viewpoints, Plato delves into the complexities of human love and the pursuit of beauty.

The "Symposium" offers profound insights into the nature of love, raising questions about its origins, purpose, and ultimate significance in human existence. It is a thought-provoking exploration of one of life's most fundamental and mysterious aspects.

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It gets better

The first half is kind of rambling and a mixed performance.The later half Is downright breathtaking. By far one of my favorite audible performances.

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fantastic

recommend this to anyone who likes to think. it's not so much about romantic love, but rather a love of beauty and wisdom

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Love

The the theories of love are seen in so many different ways and even with this I bet there are more theories out there

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Excellent

The acting, the production, the voice talent is absolutely exceptional and makes the dialogue take the form, I believe, the author intended from the start. The Symposium, Plato, fine theater: sign me up every time! -The Bum at Work

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