Why Plato’s Symposium is a Must-Read for Aspiring Philosophy Students

If you think philosophy is all abstract theories and dusty textbooks, Plato’s Symposium will surprise you. This ancient text tackles one of humanity’s messiest, most relatable emotions: love. But it’s not just about romance—it’s about desire, wisdom, and how philosophy transforms the way we live. For A-level students curious about studying philosophy at university, here’s why this dialogue matters. 

Love vs. Wisdom? Not So Fast

We often see philosophy as a detached, academic subject. But Plato’s Symposium links it to eros—erotic, passionate love—not just philia (friendship or affection). Why? Because philosophy, at its core, is driven by desire. The Greek word literally means ‘love of wisdom,’ but Plato argues that this longing isn’t dry or passive. It’s urgent, human, and deeply personal. 

Desire, Plato suggests, isn’t just about filling a void (like hunger). It defines who we are. What we crave—whether approval, status, or the latest TikTok trend—reveals our values. But Plato pushes further: human desire isn’t just about things; it’s social. We want what others want because we crave recognition. Sound familiar? Social media thrives on this. Every ‘like’ or viral post taps into our need to be seen, mirroring Plato’s insight that desire is relational. 

Diotima’s Ladder: From Attraction to Eternal Truths

Enter Diotima, the philosopher-prophetess who teaches Socrates that love is a journey. She uses a myth: Eros, the god of love, is born from Poverty (Penia) and Resourcefulness (Poros). This makes love a restless seeker—neither fully ignorant nor wise, but forever striving. 

Diotima’s ‘ladder of love’ explains how desire evolves: 

1. Physical attraction: You start by loving one beautiful person. 

2. Universal beauty: You realize beauty exists in many forms. 

3. Beauty of the mind: Intellectual and moral beauty outshine the physical

4. Beauty itself: Finally, you grasp eternal, unchanging Truth—the ultimate goal of philosophy. 

Alcibiades: When Desire Goes Wrong

The dialogue’s most dramatic moment comes when Alcibiades, a charismatic (and drunken) politician, crashes the party. He admits to pursuing Socrates, not for wisdom, but for sex—a scandalous role reversal in ancient Athens, where older men typically courted younger boys.

Alcibiades’ tragedy? He confuses physical desire with philosophical yearning. He wants Socrates’ wisdom but lacks the self-discipline to earn it. Plato’s message is clear: philosophy isn’t about collecting knowledge; it’s about living differently. Alcibiades’ failure shows that wisdom requires integrity, not just intellect. 

Why This Matters for Philosophy Students

1. Philosophy is transformative: It’s not just debating ideas—it’s about reshaping your desires and priorities. 

2. Critical thinking meets self-reflection: The Symposium challenges you to ask: ‘What do I truly value? How do my desires align with my goals?’

3. Timeless relevance: Plato’s exploration of social desire—why we crave validation—feels eerily modern in the age of Instagram. 

Studying texts like the Symposium at university will push you to analyze complex arguments, question cultural norms, and connect ancient ideas to contemporary life. You’ll grapple with ethics, metaphysics, and politics—all through the lens of human passion. 

Final Thoughts

Plato’s Symposium isn’t just a dusty classic. It’s a roadmap for anyone seeking wisdom, offering a provocative blend of drama, psychology, and metaphysics. For A-level students, it’s a taste of what university philosophy entails: rigorous thinking, historical context, and the thrill of ideas that change how you see the world. 

So, are you ready to climb Diotima’s ladder? Philosophy might just be the most exhilarating journey you’ll ever take. 

*Considering philosophy at uni? Dive deeper into Plato, Nietzsche, or Simone de Beauvoir—and ask yourself: What do I desire most?*