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Allegory Of The Cave

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In Plato’s “The Allegory of the Cave”, he makes an interesting analogy between the mind and a person locked in a cave. Plato helps the reader understand that the inquiries the mind makes is more beneficial than the present state of affairs. Plato speaks through Socrates, who is said to be the best philosopher ever. Plato allows Socrates to speak with one of his students to discuss the mind and its effects. Plato uses the allegory of a cave and the mind and personality to allow the intriguing concept of idealism to be discussed. Plato uses an allegory to announce that the mind is more than just the senses, and perception is what we understand through inferences. Socrates says, “If such a man would suddenly go from the sunlight to once more descend to his original circumstances, wouldn’t his vision by obscured by the darkness?” (Plato 7). At first, this …show more content…

This is where the allegory is analyzed, because Plato is referring to the mind’s imagination as well as the senses. The allegory explains that people will never know the true nature of anything because the mind’s imagination is what you make of it. Socrates states, “Now, tell me if you suppose it’s possible that these captives ever saw anything of themselves or one another, other than the shadows flitting across the cavern wall before them?” (Plato 2). The shadows that the prisoners see behind them is only a hint at the truth of reality. The allegory grants insight at the difference between the senses and the powerful mind. Plato’s allegory characterizes our understanding of mind and personality. He explains that the mind is powerful as we base our reality on our wisdom rather than on our beliefs. Socrates explains, “What our message now signifies is that

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