allegory of the cave

• The Cave- In Plato’s theory, the cave represents people who believe that knowledge comes from what we see and hear in the world – empirical evidence. The cave shows that believers of empirical knowledge are trapped in a ‘cave’ of misunderstanding.
• The Shadows- The Shadows represent the perceptions of those who believe empirical evidence ensures knowledge. If you believe that what you see should be taken as truth, then you are merely seeing a shadow of the truth. In Plato’s opinion you are a ‘pleb’ if you believe this (their insult for those who are not Philosophers)
• The Game- The Game represents how people believe that one person can be a ‘master’ when they have knowledge of the empirical world. Plato is demonstrating that this master does not actually know any truth, and suggesting that it is ridiculous to admire someone like this.
• The Escape- The escaped prisoner represents the Philosopher, who seeks knowledge outside of the cave and outside of the senses.
• The Sun- represents philosophical truth and knowledge
• His intellectual journey- represents a philosophers journey when finding truth and wisdom
• The Return- The other prisoners reaction to the escapee returning represents that people are scared of knowing philosophical truths and do not trust philosophers.