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Section 12: 216c - 223d. Previous Next. Summary. Alcibiades asserts that Socrates pretends to be erotically attracted to younger men and to be completely ignorant, but that these are all covers. In fact, he lives with great moderation, is very wise, and has no interest in bodily concerns.
- 198A - 201C
Agathon surrenders, saying that he cannot argue against...
- 193E - 197E
A summary of Section 6: 193e - 197e in Plato's The...
- 180C - 185C
The final answer given by Socrates in the Symposium should...
- 212C - 216C
Eryximachus demands that Alcibiades take part in the...
- The Symposium: Full Work Summary
At the end of Socrates' speech, Alcibiades bursts in,...
- 198A - 201C
Detail of Alcibiades from the painting Alcibiades Being Taught by Socrates (1776) by François-André Vincent. Alcibiades, an Athenian general in the Peloponessian War, was the eromenos of Socrates. Alcibiades states that when he hears Socrates speak, he feels overwhelmed.
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Eryximachus suggests Alcibiades gives a speech in praise of Socrates, and while Socrates thinks he will be mocked, Alcibiades agrees, saying Socrates is free to interrupt and correct him at any point. The Speech of Alcibiades. Alcibiades begins by comparing Socrates to a statue of Silenus and the satyr Marsyas.
Observe, my friends, said Alcibiades, that this ingenious trick of mine will have no effect on Socrates, for he can drink any quantity of wine and not be at all nearer being drunk. Socrates drank the cup which the attendant filled for him.
In the Symposium, Alcibiades claims that Socrates, while always playing with people about matters of virtue, was in earnest with him about them (216d4–217a6). The Phaedrus , in which play and earnestness about such matters are obsessively contrasted, has obvious critical bearing on his claim.
Eryximachus demands that Alcibiades take part in the symposium and give his own speech in praise of Love. Alcibiades complains that this would be unfair, as he has already drunk far too much. Besides, Socrates would get jealous if he were to praise anyone other than Socrates in Socrates' presence.
At the end of Socrates' speech, Alcibiades bursts in, falling-down drunk, and delivers a eulogy to Socrates himself. In spite of Alcibiades' best efforts, he has never managed to seduce Socrates as Socrates has no interest at all in physical pleasure. Soon the party descends into chaos and drinking and Aristodemus falls asleep.
