“Plato and The Allegory of the Cave”
Plato was an Athenian philosopher; known to be one of the most significant figures of the Ancient Greek World, moreover his work was of great influence to the Western World. Plato first writings included a lot of stories about the life and knowledge of Socrates, his teacher. Socrates never wrote down any of his philosophical ideas, the information we currently have of him, someone who can be consider to be one of the best philosophical minds, is all thanks to the texts of his pupil. Plato wrote all of his work in the form of dialogue, he believe that more is learned when a conversation is taking place.
Plato was involved in philosophy since an early age, under the teachings of Socrates. He lived in Athens …show more content…
The allegory is based on perception; knowledge gained through the senses, in this case what it is seen. Plato theorizes that knowledge gained by this method can be consider an opinion, real knowledge can only be obtained through philosophical reasoning. Plato additionally states that there is a relationship between each individual and the society in which they lived; he believes that the formation of good people depends on their society, there is a dynamic connection. The wise leading a society would result in the creation of a good society, causing an increase in the production to good people, and in returned produced a better society. Leadership of the elite would cause an undesirable effect, more unscrupulous people creating a bad …show more content…
In the story the three prisoners are bounded, their feet, hands as well as their heads forcing then to see only in one direction. This can be interpreted as the position we have in our society and how many of us accept it as our natural place without question. There are some of us that instead of tolerance choose to gain intellectual knowledge and reach insight into reality, those who are usually misunderstood by the majority, those who are in pursuit of answers towards ultimate questions, those are the ones that should be leaders in society; according to Plato. Plato refers to them as Philosopher-Kings, those with high levels of education, numerous years of experience, and proven to be wise, those that are suited yet they prefer not to impose their opinion on others. Even though their intent is to gain knowledge for no other purpose than to acquire it, it is Plato’s believe that because of their rationality it can be said it is their responsibility to rule. He supports this belief in the allegory by compering the reaction of the prisoner who chooses to return and the people making the shadows. Those walking on the sidewalk with the animal shape in their head are aware of the world nonetheless they choose to create the shadows and give the prisoners a false perspective. The prisoner who is able to get away form the cave is different from those who cast the shadows, he has
Plato was an Athenian philosopher; known to be one of the most significant figures of the Ancient Greek World, moreover his work was of great influence to the Western World. Plato first writings included a lot of stories about the life and knowledge of Socrates, his teacher. Socrates never wrote down any of his philosophical ideas, the information we currently have of him, someone who can be consider to be one of the best philosophical minds, is all thanks to the texts of his pupil. Plato wrote all of his work in the form of dialogue, he believe that more is learned when a conversation is taking place.
Plato was involved in philosophy since an early age, under the teachings of Socrates. He lived in Athens …show more content…
The allegory is based on perception; knowledge gained through the senses, in this case what it is seen. Plato theorizes that knowledge gained by this method can be consider an opinion, real knowledge can only be obtained through philosophical reasoning. Plato additionally states that there is a relationship between each individual and the society in which they lived; he believes that the formation of good people depends on their society, there is a dynamic connection. The wise leading a society would result in the creation of a good society, causing an increase in the production to good people, and in returned produced a better society. Leadership of the elite would cause an undesirable effect, more unscrupulous people creating a bad …show more content…
In the story the three prisoners are bounded, their feet, hands as well as their heads forcing then to see only in one direction. This can be interpreted as the position we have in our society and how many of us accept it as our natural place without question. There are some of us that instead of tolerance choose to gain intellectual knowledge and reach insight into reality, those who are usually misunderstood by the majority, those who are in pursuit of answers towards ultimate questions, those are the ones that should be leaders in society; according to Plato. Plato refers to them as Philosopher-Kings, those with high levels of education, numerous years of experience, and proven to be wise, those that are suited yet they prefer not to impose their opinion on others. Even though their intent is to gain knowledge for no other purpose than to acquire it, it is Plato’s believe that because of their rationality it can be said it is their responsibility to rule. He supports this belief in the allegory by compering the reaction of the prisoner who chooses to return and the people making the shadows. Those walking on the sidewalk with the animal shape in their head are aware of the world nonetheless they choose to create the shadows and give the prisoners a false perspective. The prisoner who is able to get away form the cave is different from those who cast the shadows, he has