The Allegory of the Cave
Plato
RECAP
In Plato’s The Allegory of the Cave, he says that many people in society are blind to the realities of our world. He creates this allegory in order to prove his point. The cave is representative of our perceptions and predispositions about the world around us. The only way to solve our ignorances is to come out of our comfort zones, escape the cave, and make a change.
Real World Examples
Madie
“I was stuck in the cave believing that big cities including this one are dangerous and overcrowded."
Claire
"I felt trapped in my religious classes. I didn’t feel like I was experiencing school life to the fullest potential that I wanted to."
Courtney
"I was stuck in the cave believing that I had to pursue a career in business like the rest of my family."
Brady
"I was stuck in the cave believing that I was going to be stuck in high school."
Kayla
"I was stuck in the cave believing that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy college. At first I thought it was exciting to get away from home but as soon I moved in my freshman year I already felt homesick."
Ciera
"I was stuck in the cave believing that my social-economic class defined who i would become, and where i would end up."
QUESTIONS/SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS
What cave have you been stuck it at some point in your life?
Why might you (or anyone) want to stay in the cave?
What are the advantages of leaving the cave?