Michael Arbeiter
PHI 260
9/12/16
Alcibiades beings his speech stating that although everything he says may be mistaken, but
is certainly true. He also points out that he is very drunk, but even had he been sober it
would be hard to explain Socrates’ “bizarreness.” He then goes onto say he is praising
Socrates by dressing like him, but he is also mocking him to some extent. He compares
him to the statue of Silenus. The begins to peek into the type of Eros Alcibiades holds for
Socrates. Similar to Pausanias’ speech where he talks about Heavenly Eros or love of the
soul, virtue, and wisdom, but also very complex. Alcibiades respects Socrates but also runs
from him physically. He continues through explaining his experiences but always comes
back to the fact that Socrates has power over him. He explains the flute story saying
Socrates is like the best flute enchanter except without his instrument. Socrates uses his
words. Alcibiades then begins to reveal Socrates love for boys, and how he himself feels
this shame.” But, now I’ve started, I’m going to show you what he really is.” Alcibiades
then talks about the story where he lures Socrates to wrestling matches to attempt to
provoke something. When this is ineffective, he directly invited him to dinner. The first
time it was just dinner then Socrates left. The next time he sparks conversation and