Allegory of the Cave

Allegory of the Cave

Introduction

This paper discusses the Plato's theory of the forms and the Allegory of the cave. The aim of this essay is to explain the statement of the Plato or Aristotle. This essay also discusses the examples to illustrate key assumptions and try to make connections with personal experiences. The myth of the cave - the famous allegory, used by Plato in his treatise “The State “to explain his theory of ideas. It is considered the cornerstone of Platonism and objective of idealism in general. Set out in the form of a dialogue between Socrates and Plato's brother Glaucon.

For Plato's Cave is a sensual world in which people live. Like the prisoners of the cave, they suggest that because of the senses to know the reality. However, such a life is only an illusion. From the true world of ideas reach them only vague shadows (Snyder, 2012). Philosopher can get a better idea about the world of ideas, constantly asking myself questions and seeking answers. However, no point in trying to share the knowledge gained with the crowd, which is not able to break away from the illusions of everyday perception.

Discussion

In presenting this parable, Plato shows his audience that requires knowledge of the well-known work - the continual efforts to study and understanding of various subjects. Therefore, it is an ideal city can only edit the philosophers - those who have penetrated into the essence of ideas, and in particular the idea of the good.

Comparison of Plato's allegory of the other dialogues, particularly with the “Phaedo”, suggests that it is not just a parable, but the heart of the Platonic myths. In the “Phaedo” by the mouth of Socrates, Plato condemns the sensible world as a prison of the soul. The only true reality for him is the eternal world of ideas, to understanding which the soul can approach through philosophy (Duarte, 2012).

In a cave with no light sit with children, people chained to the chains. Between them and the fire of the stone wall on which charlatans moving figures of people and animals, says the text. Chained may look only forward and see on the walls of the huge black shadow. Prisoners looking at the shadows on the wall, but it are not even the shadow of real animals and shadows cast by the light of the fire, and not the sun. ...