Plato had written a text concerning philosophy in the years between 385 and 380 BC and it is known as The Symposium. At one point, the text explains about the origins of love, its nature and the purpose in the society. A series of speeches given by men who are attending the symposium which is also called as a drinking party explains about love in different words and perspectives. Every person in the party should deliver his thoughts to praise love through his speech. The speech given by Socrates during the symposium emphasizes the fact that the greatest purpose for which one should love is to turn into a philosopher that also means; one should become a lover of wisdom and knowledge. There are seven people involved in the dialogue; Phaedrus, Pausanias who is an expert in law, Eryximachus who is a physician by profession, Aristophanes who himself is a philosopher and a satirical writer, Agathon, Socrates who is Plato’s mentor and guide and Alcibiades who is a common but famous citizen living in the city of Athens.

Context of the Symposium
Agathon, who is also a poet, was the one to host a symposium for the celebration of his success in his first ever competition of drama. A discussion which later on became very popular throughout the world was the highlight of the symposium with love being the center theme. The publicity and spread of this important event took place in a unique fashion. Phoinix and Apollodorus came to know about the discussion from Aristodemus. Phoinix narrated the tale to another person whereas Apollodorus went ahead and confirmed the events by consulting Socrates. In the chain of this transfer of information, Plato’s brother, Glaucon, came to know about this discussion but couldn’t be certain as to how much time the Symposium was on. The very first few pages of this text are known to be the best description of the consequences of an oral tradition among any source in Greece. A large number of layers have been set up by Plato in between the original symposium and the narrative that he wrote.