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... One of the most important political thinkers, Plato, describes a situation in which many think is one of the most outstanding works of political theory. This work is entitled the “Cave Allegory.” While this allegory is famous to many, the interpretation of this work is thought to be in conflict with the rest of the text in which it is developed. ... ” Throughout this manuscript Plato discusses many views on cities, and how they should be formed, and more importantly ran. In his allegorical cave, Plato directly posits the notion of a reality existing beyond one’s own; this reality that people cannot directly see is given a higher importance than our sensual, waking reality. This allegory is said to be the foundation of western political thought, and while not found in modern times, one can relate it to the common state of affairs that current society lives amongst.
Platos cave begins in darkness, representative of a normal waking reality. Inside the cave sit several people, all with their legs, arms, and heads bound such that they are forced to continually gaze at a projection screen. ... The people in the cave, combined with the shadows on the screen, represent our everyday lives without giving thought to the world outside the cave; this metaphorical outside world, is the fundamental and real world.
To continue, Plato suggests that one of the prisoners is freed of his bindings; he is allowed to walk around the cave and examine the screen, the other cave dwellers, and eventually casts his gaze to the fire itself. The implications of being allowed to wonder about the cave are extraordinary.
Approximate Word count = 1296
Approximate Pages = 5.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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