Plato's analogy of the cave Flashcards
Starting point of the analogy.
3 men are in a cave that represents the world of appearances. They are chained to a wall with their heads facing a wall that shows shadows. They are chained by their senses to believe false realities and lies. One man is set free and sees that the shadows were controlled by puppet masters on a walkway. Authority figures like religion and government can manipulate peoples senses. The fire illuminating the cave represents low-level truths.
Journey up the cave.
One man got released and is initially blinded by the light. This represents questioning what reality is. He begins to leave the cave, representing education. When he finally gets outside the cave (the world of forms), he sees real objects, which represents the world of forms. The sun represents the form of the good.
Going back into the cave.
He tries to teach the others of the reality he has observed. He is mocked and they do not believe him, as they are still chained by their senses. He can:
1) Return to the chains.
2) Leave the cave and get mocked.
3) Continue to try and convince them and get killed (Socrates getting executed by Roman authorities.)
What does the analogy of the cave represent?
The struggle of knowledge. Authorities can manipulate the public to be on their side through a posteriori knowledge- they grasp the shadows better than reality. People can be educated by being dragged out of the cave: people would first try to resist, but it is ultimately for the greater good.
