The Underlying Ideas In The Allegory Of The Cave By Plato

Plato was a Greek philosopher, the student of Socrates and the mentor of Aristotle. In his work, the Republic, Plato introduces his ideas using the dialogue of Socrates and others he is having a discussion with, such as, Glaucon. Most of these are inconclusive and leave scholars interpreting and disputing the similes and ideas being illustrated. One of the most well known allegories is, “The Allegory of the Cave,” in which Socrates explains the different domains of knowledge. The underlying ideas of the allegory and how it is applicable in today’s society will be discussed through the thoughts of sense-perception, knowledge and focusing on key ideas within the allegory itself. To begin with, a synopsis of the allegory can be given. In Plato’s, The Allegory of the Cave, Socrates used the allegory to explain how “…far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened…” (qtd. in Krasemann, 175). He goes on to explain of prisoners who are chained in a cave since they were children. They are unable to turn their heads, and can only see shadows that a fire behind them casts. Others walking at the mouth of the cave, pass by the fire casting different objects for the prisoners to identify. One such prisoner is then set free and

All of his life, the shadows were his truth. He would only be able to notice shadows first and reflections upon entering the world outside. Eventually, he would assimilate to the outer world of the cave. According to Socrates he would lastly, “…be able to see the sun, and not mere reflections of him in the water…” (qtd. in Krasemann 177). An important object here is clearly the sun. The light is what stings the eyes first but ultimately it is for the good of the person. In order to attain a certain enlightenment, some pain is necessary. However, the prisoners comfortable in the cave don’t want to know the truth. They are comfortable with the