From the book
Symposium
Plato · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordThe patronymics distinguish the persons more precisely than their names alone.
- In the SymposiumAlcibiades claims that Socrates does not merely behave this way toward him, but deceives many by appearing as lover and becoming beloved instead.
- In this editionThe notes identify Charmides and cautiously suggest which Euthydemus is meant.
- A place to readThe names expand Alcibiades’ personal complaint into a warning to Agathon.
Meaning
The patronymics distinguish the persons more precisely than their names alone.
Use in the book
Alcibiades claims that Socrates does not merely behave this way toward him, but deceives many by appearing as lover and becoming beloved instead. Charmides and Euthydemus are examples in that allegation. The claim illustrates the reversal of expected erotic roles; it supplies no detailed account of either man’s encounter.
Places to read
- 222a–bThe names expand Alcibiades’ personal complaint into a warning to Agathon.
Translation in this edition
The notes identify Charmides and cautiously suggest which Euthydemus is meant. The continuous dialogue does not identify this Euthydemus as the sophist of the dialogue bearing that title.
Εὐθύδημος (Euthydēmos)
Euthydēmos — Another named example in Alcibiades’ allegation of reversed lover-beloved roles.
- 222b — Εὐθύδημον. Identified as son of Diocles.
Read: Charmides and Euthydemus.
Χαρμίδης (Charmidēs)
Charmidēs — A named young man whom Alcibiades says Socrates has treated as he treated Alcibiades.
- 222b — Χαρμίδην. Identified as son of Glaucon.
Read: Charmides and Euthydemus.