Sample Thesis Paper
He is followed by Socrates who begins by complimenting Agathon which is more of a customary practice and then courteously asks his host and asks if he may point out the insufficiencies in his speech. He says that Agathons speech is only applicable to love when we consider what we wish it to be rather than what it actually is. He then speaks of the Diotoma of Mantinea and speaks of her story of love. According to Socrates she says that Love is the son of “Plenty” and the mother of “Need”. It has characteristics of both but is carefully balanced. It is not only difficult, needy, deceptive but also resourceful. Its purpose she says is the fulfillment of immortality in men. He says that the pursuit of immortality is the true goal of all men and the gift of love is gift of immortality by making these men philosophers.
He is followed by Alcibiades who at first does not know why everyone is not drinking. When he is told of the night’s agreement he at first does not agree to speak but eventually does to praise Socrates. He begins by comparing him to the statue of Silenus, which though disfigured on the outside hides many treasures within. He also compares him to Marsyas saying that instead of music all Socrates needs to captivate people are his words.
He states that the words of Socrates are the only words which disturbed him so much that he felt his life was no better than that of a slave. He at first believed that Socrates wanted to pass on his teachings to Alcibiades by bedding him. He pursued him with great intensity but was shunned by Socrates who said that he should not give up his true beauty for a false image that he himself is providing. He not only goes on to detail a failed sexual attempt, but also his virtues in battle and how he saved him without accepting praise. He also says that Socrates is a man of great intelligence and ideas, unrivalled by anyone throughout history. Finally he says that one should be careful not to fall in love with him as such an outcome is very possible.