People, chained in a cave, only see shadows cast on a wall, and think the voices of those carrying statues are those of the shadows- reality.
We're in the illusory physical world and can't see the true Forms, only images.
1 of 9
The carriers hold statues
The people carrying them (leaders) who shape our views know little more than us- statues aren't true reality
2 of 9
A freed prisoner must be dragged into the sunlight
We must be forced to see truth and be free, though it is distressing
3 of 9
The freed man struggles to see
Robin Waterfield- our preferred culture, tradition and upbringing limits perception
4 of 9
The freed man starts to see
The philosopher gets to see and distinguish Forms from copies
5 of 9
He contemplates the sun's role of supporting life and the senses
The philosopher contemplates the sun (the Form of Good and the source of all good)
6 of 9
He returns underground out of duty for his fellow prisoners
Philosophers with the essential knowledge of the Forms should lead, not politicians
7 of 9
Going back, his vision must again adjust
It is difficult to see Forms within the world
8 of 9
The other prisoners don't want to believe or escape- they would even kill anyone that tries to free them
This could refer to how philosophers in ancient Greek society were seen as 'odd', with Socrates in Aristophanes' 'Clouds' wearing a cloud costume and making little sense. It could also refer to Plato's despair at Socrates execution.
9 of 9
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
The people carrying them (leaders) who shape our views know little more than us- statues aren't true reality
Back
The carriers hold statues
Card 3
Front
We must be forced to see truth and be free, though it is distressing
Back
Card 4
Front
Robin Waterfield- our preferred culture, tradition and upbringing limits perception
Back
Card 5
Front
The philosopher gets to see and distinguish Forms from copies
Comments
No comments have yet been made