Allegory of the Cave

Question

The first attempt to liberate the prisoner from the cave fails, thereby requiring the use of force if he or she is going to be liberated. First, explain why the first attempt fails. Then make an argument as to whether or not, given this failure, the subsequent use of force is legitimate and beneficial for the prisoner. What kind of experience must the prisoner undergo in order to be liberated from ignorance and delusion? 

what measure or standard one should use to make the judgment that the experience of gaining knowledge (which not only entails suffering violence, but also separates the prisoner from the others in the cave society is (or is not) beneficial. If the experience is one not only of enlightenment and intellectual freedom, but also alienation, how should it be judged?

Answer 1

First, consider the definition of an allegory: a story in which the characters and events are symbols that stand for ideas about human life or for a political or historical situation (Merriam-Webster). What are the elements (characters and events) in the story? What do each of these elements represent?

In the section following the story, Socrates is making an argument for a certain way of teaching and learning. This section helps clarify the allegory. What does Socrates think about how knowledge is passed on? How do people learn best? As background, you might do a quick search on the "Socratic method." How does this pertain to the allegory?

The questions in the prompt are asking you to offer your view of the allegory, but your take on it must always be backed up by the text. In this case, a summary of each attempt can provide justification, though quotes can also be helpful. What will be most persuasive?

Remember, questions themselves contain assumptions. I notice this in the prompt: If the experience is one not only of enlightenment and intellectual freedom, but also alienation, how should it be judged? What assumption is the question making? Reading any question closely and learning to identify assumptions can help you formulate a response.