Idealism

2 Pages 545 Words

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

After reading this article I think it could be interpreted a couple of different ways. While reading it many different comparisons came to my mind regarding teaching and interaction between student and teacher in the learning environment. When asked what Plato values in this allegory, I’m not exactly sure. I think he values the prisoner and their ability to adjust to their ascention, whether or not they will adjust for the better or for the worse depends on his or her instructor.
It could be said that Plato believes education and higher learning to be important, which correlates with this allegory. I think that one of Plato’s points is that the “ascention” or learning at a higher level is not for everyone. He quotes Homer in saying that it is “Better to be the poor servant of a poor master,” and to endure anything, rather than think as they do and live after their manner? I think this is very true in today’s society, some people believe that their place is in medicine or law, and others are content with less pretigous titles.
Another point I agreed with was when Plato talked about the prisoner being taken to look at the night sky with the moon and stars. Plato said that the prisoner would be able to see the night sky much better than being forced to look at the sun and be dazzled by it, because in the cave his eyes had grown accustomed to the poor lighting and was therefore more suited to it. I think what this relates to in education is that every student is different and therefore individuals’ learn in different ways. It is the responsibility of the instructor or teacher to be able to teach in a way that their pupils can understand best. In the story the prisoner was pained and irritated when they had to look into the sun, that was only natural given their prior circumstances and environment. Yeah, maybe some of the prisoners might be able to handle the sun and even ...