Plato uses the Allegory of the Cave to demonstrate the flawed existence of human beings who are trapped perceiving shadows rather than true forms of reality. In the cave, people are in the lowest forms of knowledge, but some may be freed and experience a journey through higher forms of knowledge by moving from shadows to reflections to objects to the sun itself. This represents the potential ascent from lower to higher epistemic states and the acquisition of true knowledge and understanding, allowing one to become a philosopher.

1. Allegory of the
Cave
Going up...

2. Inside the Cave...

3. JUST KIDDING.

5. Form
Objects in Form
our world
Limitations of our
world/knowledge
Us

6. What does this mean?
Within the initial set up and symbolism of the Allegory of the Cave, Plato
hopes to demonstrate the flawed existence of human beings.
We are all trapped within our world of sense experience, which Plato
compares to ‘shadows’ or mere representations of truth.
Thus Plato hopes to illustrate, that by accepting these shadows a reality
we are remaining in the lower forms of epistemic states, pistis and
eikasia.
Plato advocates that we should
move from this towards pure
noesis...
But how?

7. The acquisition of Knowledge
In the next stage of the Allegory Plato describes
how one of the slaves might be freed and
dragged outside the cave. The Form of the
The Sun Good
At first the slave would be blinded by the bright
light and would only be able to look at the
shadows of the objects.
Next, the slave may look at reflections of the
Objects object in water. The Forms
themselves Then, the objects themselves and finally after
time to acclimatise he may look at the sun
itself.
This part of the Allegory is symbolic for the Reasoning
Reflection
ascension of a mortal through the epistemic
states to true knowledge and understanding.
And thus he becomes a philosopher.
Shadows Philosopher Representations.
Mortal
King

9. So...
By demonstrating how noesis may be gained, and thus how a mortal
may gain true knowledge Plato begins to outline his distinction of
philosopher kings above all others.
The interesting points in this part of the allegory is Plato’s specific
illustration of the slave being forcibly dragged from the cave.
Suggesting that acquisition of knowledge is difficult, Plato believed
that becoming a philosophy took one’s whole effort and hours of
study.
Plato also believed that only some people were suited to the role of
Philosopher Kings, as others may be suited to being musicians or
crafters.
(However, all of Plato’s arguments revolving around the allegory are
drawn from similes and thus may be considered flawed. But this is
cos Plato’s a bit silly. )

10. QUESTIONS?