Plato’s allegory of the cave

Plato’s allegory of the cave

Plato’s allegory of the cave represents the state of most human beings. Human beings begin their lives in caves, that is, the societies they are born in and live in; and the way of life of the communities. It reveals human perception based on daily life experiences, which include what they see, touch, hear, taste, and feel in society. The Prisoners’ comfort with their interpretations of the features they see on the wall is clear proof. The allegory further explains the procedural way of learning and expanding one’s thoughts and knowledge about the whole world, which may not conform to the societal norms.

Plato views knowledge differently. He expresses real understanding as a reasoning of the reality of the existing forms and ideas, not solely based on the physical sense.

The allegory presents ways of obtaining actual knowledge. One can get right understanding through the help of an exposed individual; and acceptance of pain. This fact is as explained in the allegory, “Now, however, if someone, using force, were to pull him away from there and drag him up the cave’s rough and steep ascent and not let go of him until he had dragged him out into the light of the sun….” Plato is trying to explain that one has to struggle with doubts on the new beliefs as to whether he should resist them or not. Another way of obtaining actual knowledge is through learning. From Plato’s allegory, the free prisoner is to get used to the sunlight, which blinds him first, then learns to see the shadows as reflected by the sun. The prisoner then considers the images in better dimensions as reflected in the water; the prisoner can then look at the things and sun directly after getting used to the light. This way, one learns sequentially before getting complete knowledge about the outside world. Another way is to accept the challenges which come with the process. For example, the allegory explains that the prisoners who remained in the cave could ridicule the freed member and could attempt to kill the person whoexposed the member to light. To acquire real knowledge, therefore, requires one to be confident and ready to face any obstacle that he/she may come across along the way..

Several skills help during the learning process. Critical thinking skills help an individual to think responsibly, independently, and productively to benefit the developing world. One also needs leadership and communication skills to be able to assist the primitive members in growing and obtaining correct knowledge as well.

I agree with Plato’s view of knowledge; because the world is developing, and everyone needs to learn. Insufficient knowledge leads to ignorance, and it is high time people grow from the inferior perception of the truth of the world to a better understanding of real ideas or forms. Therefore, when everyone desires to learn, every individual develops the society and the world at large, as change starts with an individual.