Part I
The cave is a symbolic representation of people believing that all knowledge comes from what they hear and see in their surroundings suggesting empirical evidence. The cave is a depiction of empirical knowledge advocates imprisoned in a cave of misunderstanding. Similarly, the shadows illustrate the perception of those who believe empirical evidence ensures knowledge. If one believes what one hears or sees must be taken as the truth, then one merely sees a shadow of the truth. In the contest,