Plato's Allegory Of The Cave

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Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” is an emblematic explanation of his eidos, and where we are introduced to his epistemology and he makes the distinctions between metaphysics and ideologies. The common interpretation of Plato’s allegory is that we all undergo the illusion of the shadows on the cave wall and that true reality only exists outside of the cave and beyond our ability to conceptualize its existence, unless one can free their mind from the intrinsic perceptual confines of their own mind. The insight that Plato conveys through his allegory is quite profound and while unfortunate, I have come to believe is applicable to nearly all humans; though a fraction of humanity eventually is able to break free. The epiphany of having lived comparably …show more content…

Sometimes stepping outside of the cave can be reduced to merely a redefined definition of darkness. Stark ideological realizations about religion, politics or economics can sometime leave you just as blind as you were in the cave when you face the realization of how deeply your prior beliefs have structured the way you live your life and are much more deeply engrained than you had been aware of. For example if you were raised in a conservative religious environment and upon going to college you started to have significant doubts and ultimately began to question the existence of god. You may have to then question every source of knowledge that you believe to be true as the very nature of your existence is in question and possibly has undermined subsequent decisions, choices and beliefs that you had formed based on your earlier belief system. What about if while still in a state of confusion you decide to discuss your thoughts with your friends who are still strong believers. Will you succeed in sharing your new found enlightenment and break them free of their chains? Or will their shadows cast doubt and will you join them in the

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