Due to the fact that each person is subjective, their interpretation of the “ Allegory of the Cave“, will inevitably be different. The implications of the metaphor may change with context. In other words, I at the present time will interpret the allegory very differently than someone in Greece 2,400 years ago.
That being said, my general understanding of the allegory is that all we know is what we can imagine from the shadows we are experiencing on the walls of the cave. In order to “ turn our whole souls towards reality” we have to look beyond the confines of the cave to find the absolute truth. Our fallible perceptions of the so called ideal ideologies of culture and authority formed an illusion. The illusion was constructed as our reality because when we are unsure we feel unsafe. In coming to the realization that what we perceive might be a mirage, we tun our heads to the entrance of the cave to see the light of day. The light causes pain because we are not accustomed to it. Its much easier to return back to darkness …show more content…
And this they must do, even with the prospect of death.” For me this posses an interesting question. Am I better off living in ignorance or being enlightened? Humans are naturally programmed to avoid danger and change. Therefore, living in ignorance may seem like a safer, more blissful option. However, ignorance breeds fear, which becomes hate, and the circle of hate leads to violence. This shows the importance of education. Education breeds confidence, which develops into hope, and the circle of hope becomes peace. Therefore, if we simply leave the cave to live an inquisitive existence we can ascertain true knowledge. I would much rather live in the misery of not having absolute truth, but endeavor to seek
That being said, my general understanding of the allegory is that all we know is what we can imagine from the shadows we are experiencing on the walls of the cave. In order to “ turn our whole souls towards reality” we have to look beyond the confines of the cave to find the absolute truth. Our fallible perceptions of the so called ideal ideologies of culture and authority formed an illusion. The illusion was constructed as our reality because when we are unsure we feel unsafe. In coming to the realization that what we perceive might be a mirage, we tun our heads to the entrance of the cave to see the light of day. The light causes pain because we are not accustomed to it. Its much easier to return back to darkness …show more content…
And this they must do, even with the prospect of death.” For me this posses an interesting question. Am I better off living in ignorance or being enlightened? Humans are naturally programmed to avoid danger and change. Therefore, living in ignorance may seem like a safer, more blissful option. However, ignorance breeds fear, which becomes hate, and the circle of hate leads to violence. This shows the importance of education. Education breeds confidence, which develops into hope, and the circle of hope becomes peace. Therefore, if we simply leave the cave to live an inquisitive existence we can ascertain true knowledge. I would much rather live in the misery of not having absolute truth, but endeavor to seek