num_pages: 90
description: Set in the idyllic countryside outside Athens, the Phaedrus is a dialogue between the philosopher Socrates and his young friend Phaedrus, inspired by their reading of a clumsy speech by the writer Lysias about love. After first considering the virtues of romantic love, their conversation develops into a wide-ranging discussion on such subjects as the pursuit of beauty, the nature of humanity, the immortality of the soul and the attainment of truth, and ends with an in-depth consideration of the principles of rhetoric. Probably a work of Plato’s maturity, the Phaedrus represents a high point in his achievement as a writer. It remains a fascinating exploration of love, mortality, destiny and what it means to be human.
language: English
title: Phaedrus
titlecomplete: Phaedrus (Penguin Classics)
characters: Socrates (philosopher)
genres: Greece, Philosophy, Ancient History, School, Literature, College, Classics, Nonfiction, History, Ancient
ratings_count: 9490
places: Athens
series: Plato's Dialogues
publisher: Penguin Classics