Summary Of Plato's Allegory Of The Cave

Plato’s purpose of “Allegory of the cave” was to explain knowledge. In the story the freed prisoner experiences the levels of knowledge. Shadows are imagination; creating names and realities without knowing a cause. The fire is belief; understanding that shadows are mere illusions and it’s statues that are real. Then outside world are forms. Understanding that statues come from reality, such as trees and people.

Since true knowledge has to be experienced, not taught. The prisoner cannot explain this concept to the others in the cave.. The best the prisoner can do is return and create more shadows. This adds another layer to Plato’s writing. What do those with knowledge do?

“Who then are those whom we shall compel to be guardians? Surely