Teaching Plato in Translation
by Susan Gorman, Boston University
Original text © 2004 Susan Gorman
The Symposium
Diotima
There is no evidence that a person such as Diotima ever existed. But, despite that fact, she is a fascinating literary character. Students usually become very intrigued by her character, especially those students who want to discuss the status of women in the ancient Greek texts.
Why is Socrates' teacher a woman? Is the fact that she is a woman simply a curiosity or more important than that? While I do not have any answers for these questions, I always ask them. On the one hand, I think that it is important to puzzle over Diotima's gender. On the other hand, I think it is a good idea to model a way of thinking that does not provide answers for every question that is raised by Plato's texts. While there may be compelling theories concerning Diotima's gender, there does not have to be a definitive reason why she is presented as a woman.
Many other questions are raised through Diotima's character that can further the discussion of the text.
