Who Socrates is
Socrates joins the dinner that Callias holds in honour of Autolycus, a young athlete celebrating a victory. He takes part in the evening's pleasures rather than standing apart from the other guests.
Music, dancing, and acrobatics meet with his humour as well as his serious interest. Even a performance can prompt him to consider exercise, balance, and care of the body.
What Socrates wants
Socrates uses the guests' claims about their strengths to examine what makes a person worth admiring. He questions the value of beauty and possessions while allowing himself to become a target of teasing.
His comic claim to be a skilled go-between leads to a serious point about useful relationships. For him, bringing people together opens a discussion of how they can benefit one another.
Socrates and the others in the story
Callias's attachment to Autolycus gives Socrates a particular relationship through which to explore worthy love. He distinguishes desire for someone's body from affection that values the person's character.
Socrates argues that a worthy lover should encourage the beloved's growth rather than merely seek personal pleasure. His account of friendship connects mutual respect with the effort to live better.
Questions
Who is Socrates in The Symposium?
Socrates is a guest at Callias's dinner who combines lively participation with philosophical questioning.
What does Socrates say about love?
He says love should care for character and good conduct, not only bodily attraction. Such affection can support lasting friendship.
Does Socrates join the entertainment?
Yes, he responds to the performers with humour and interest. The evening's amusements give him material for serious conversation.
