The Allegory Of The Cave, By Plato

The allegory of the Cave, written by Plato in his magnum opus Republic, explores the relationship of the philosopher to the political order and the way in which we view the world. By trying to explain how the appearance of things, and the “true” reality that stands behind them, Plato addresses the human condition “for our education or lack of it" (514a).

Within the cave, a community of prisoners are chained and unable to turn their heads; and, as a result they see only what is directly presented in front of them. The prisoners see shadows cast by objects behind them, which are illuminated by light from a fire. Further behind the fire is the mouth of the cave, and ultimately, the light of day. The bearers of the objects are hidden behind the wall and do not cast shadows. Occasionally those behind the prisoners speak, and the echoes of their words reach the prisoners. These sounds,

So the prisoners are, in Plato's view, twice removed from truth or reality, although they do not realize this and would defiantly object if the suggestion were made to them (515C8-D7). If any of the prisoners were freed and made to turn around towards the firelight, the prisoners would be dazzled and unable to make out the objects that cast the shadows on the wall (515C4-D1). If they were compelled to look directly at the fire, this would hurt their eyes, and they'd probably prefer to go back to the comfortable and familiar darkness of their prison (515E1-5). Because of this, the prisoner will ascend only if someone drags him by force (515e). And throughout the ordeal, as he is dragged along the rough, steep, upward way” and not let go until he is out in the light of the sun, he is “distressed and annoyed at being so dragged.”(515e) Yet, despite this ordeal, the prisoner would still “undergo anything whatsoever rather than to opine those things and live that way.”