Allegory In Plato's Cave
Plato’s Cave conveys ideas that remain true at any time throughout history. There are many ways to view this, such as all people living in individual caves being one possible interpretation of this allegory, as there is knowledge and experience which they do not possess which would allow them to see more of the world. The caves wherein everyone resides can be left freely, though only transfer to a new restricted view of reality is possible.
Many people view their current perspective as adequate and choose to remain as they are, due to the fact that many find familiarity comforting. However, the safety of remaining in the allegorical cave is merely an illusion, and would not reflect the actual safety of the person in most instances. There …show more content…
If another person were to believe them, then that person would be treated similarly to the person who returned with the new ideas. This would continue until it is the generally accepted truth, however this takes a considerable amount of time and it is exceedingly rare to reach true consensus. An historical example of this was the Trial of Socrates wherein Socrates was convicted of impiety and corruption of youth, then proceeded to be sentenced to death by poison hemlock. This is an example of this allegory because he had a different view of the world which he tried to explain to others, but they refused to accept it, going as far as to harm him for it. There are also numerous further examples of past and present societies as people often restrict themselves to the knowledge they have and refuse to accept new ideas or facts that do not agree with what they already know. The people who do know some different truth may feel frustration and isolation from the groups that do not accept what they are saying. Overall, this results in people with new views or facts not wanting to share them for fear of being ridiculed.
In summation, Plato’s Cave can be interpreted as an insightful perspective into the faults of society and the aversion to progress that some people feel. Importantly though, Plato’s Cave was true in the past and likely will continue to be valid for the foreseeable future unless society and culture change
Many people view their current perspective as adequate and choose to remain as they are, due to the fact that many find familiarity comforting. However, the safety of remaining in the allegorical cave is merely an illusion, and would not reflect the actual safety of the person in most instances. There …show more content…
If another person were to believe them, then that person would be treated similarly to the person who returned with the new ideas. This would continue until it is the generally accepted truth, however this takes a considerable amount of time and it is exceedingly rare to reach true consensus. An historical example of this was the Trial of Socrates wherein Socrates was convicted of impiety and corruption of youth, then proceeded to be sentenced to death by poison hemlock. This is an example of this allegory because he had a different view of the world which he tried to explain to others, but they refused to accept it, going as far as to harm him for it. There are also numerous further examples of past and present societies as people often restrict themselves to the knowledge they have and refuse to accept new ideas or facts that do not agree with what they already know. The people who do know some different truth may feel frustration and isolation from the groups that do not accept what they are saying. Overall, this results in people with new views or facts not wanting to share them for fear of being ridiculed.
In summation, Plato’s Cave can be interpreted as an insightful perspective into the faults of society and the aversion to progress that some people feel. Importantly though, Plato’s Cave was true in the past and likely will continue to be valid for the foreseeable future unless society and culture change