Questions About The Symposium

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Catherine Eva Brann, Peter Kalkavage and Eric Salem's new translation of the Symposium is the best I have ever read. It has the informality of a drinking party …moreEva Brann, Peter Kalkavage and Eric Salem's new translation of the Symposium is the best I have ever read. It has the informality of a drinking party while still conveying the nuances of the Greek.(less)

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do they use simple words or is the language too complicated to understand?

Phillip Well, that all depends.... Do you read Attic Greek?--probably not, hence which translation are you reading as some may be more understandable than oth…moreWell, that all depends.... Do you read Attic Greek?--probably not, hence which translation are you reading as some may be more understandable than others. In general there are a large variety of styles due to the circumstance that 7 people are giving thier views on Eros- a god? or just a daemon. Luckily the easiest to read is Diotima's INSTRUCTIONS to Socrates....unfortunately to Fully Understand it one needs to be enlightened!.... That's Plato for you - a book for everyone and for no one, as Nietzsche would say.(less)

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As I want to read the book online for free, which source has the best translation?

Phillip Most probably JOWETT - though I have no idea as to which translations you have to choose from.... The dialogue is Not the best for an introduction to …moreMost probably JOWETT - though I have no idea as to which translations you have to choose from.... The dialogue is Not the best for an introduction to Plato for which I would recommend one of his earlier dialogues - such as Phaedrus, Lysis, Charmides, Laches, Gorgias or Euthyphro >> ALL much easier to read and understand. I.E. don't start near the end! (less)

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