Plato's "Allegory of the Cave"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the "Allegory of the Cave" which is found in Book 7 of "The Republic" by Plato. The paper describes the "Allegory of the Cave" as bringing out the essential doctrines of Plato, which emphasize the human need to rise from the darkness of ignorance and evil to the light of Good. It also describes, in general, Plato's exploration of the meaning of justice.

From the Paper:

"To correct the situation, Plato suggests the design of an ideal society and government, free of injustice and conflict as one ruled by philosopher-kings (Constitutional Rights Foundation 2006). A philosopher-king is best equipped to run a government and society because he is provided with the information and adequate training for the task. He is selected for the function as soon as he is born. The future leader is shaped into a lover of truth, wisdom and all knowledge in contrast to those who grow up without the discipline. These undisciplined people are not reared in a special environment prepared for the philosopher-king. These undisciplined perceive and experience only shadows and illusions, like the chained men in the Cave in Book 7. They are ordinary men and women who are chained to ignorance and can perceive only what they are allowed to perceive. They prattle throughout their lives without perceiving one another and themselves as they really are. They come to accept shadows as reality. In the end, they resist or destroy whoever attempts to revise their way of thinking and living. Clearly, Plato argues that enlightenment is needed to promote and increase human happiness. But he also realizes that this will be a difficult or thankless job because of the very response of ignorant people towards wisdom (Constitutional Rights Foundation)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Constitutional Rights Foundation (2006). Plato and the Republic. Bill of Rights in Action 19:4. http://www.crf-usa.org/bria/bria19_4c.htm
• Taylor, T. (2006). The Republic - Book 7. Series Volume IX. http://www.prometheus.cwc.net/republic7.htm

More papers on Plato's "Allegory of the Cave":

• Analytical Essay # 52334 : "Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" and Enlightenment"
• Analytical Essay # 141743 : "Plato's Allegory of the Cave: Critical Interpretation"
• Analytical Essay # 141750 : "Plato's Allegory of the Cave"

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