Plato's analogy of the cage- meanings

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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.
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The carriers hold statues
The people carrying them (leaders) who shape our views know little more than us- statues aren't true reality
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A freed prisoner must be dragged into the sunlight
We must be forced to see truth and be free, though it is distressing
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The freed man struggles to see
Robin Waterfield- our preferred culture, tradition and upbringing limits perception
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The freed man starts to see
The philosopher gets to see and distinguish Forms from copies
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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)
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He returns underground out of duty for his fellow prisoners
Philosophers with the essential knowledge of the Forms should lead, not politicians
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Going back, his vision must again adjust
It is difficult to see Forms within the world
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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.
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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

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Robin Waterfield- our preferred culture, tradition and upbringing limits perception

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The philosopher gets to see and distinguish Forms from copies

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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