The Allegory of the Cave was my first introduction to Plato... and I am (not surprisingly) impressed with his analogy regarding human perception. Of course the chained prisoners would be bewildered when forced to question what seemed like a perfectly reasonable sense of existance. Of course a drastic change of view is confounding and not easily understood. Of course, once exposed to a different & more authentic sense of "The Truth" (TM), one may never regress to one's former constructed reality.
As we discussed in class earlier today, the chains may be representative of many things: our environment, ideologies, education, health, status... anything at all that contributes to our individual world-views. It was helpful to hear Lauren point out that Plato made a very important distintion... that reality and our opinion of it are often two entirely different animals. Our proverbial chains exist whether we want them or not; it is simply part of the human condition to be influenced by our sensory/emotional experiences. However, if we simply keep this very fact in mind, then we are on the path to enlightenment... for only then may we question our experiences as reflecting that which is valid and true.
In our class discussion, there was an implied link between the scholar-king and the role of the artist. I found it interesting to think of us, as artists, to be the ones who are responsible for playing the role of the "mirror-holder" for society...
What mirror shall any of us present?
Will it be clear? Warped? Soiled, perhaps? Small or large? Ornate... or simple?
...And furthermore- what will the viewer choose to see reflected back at them?
9.09.2008
Cody and Plato
Plato talks about people who know nothing other than what is in front of them for their entire lives. These specific people, being stuck immobile in a cave, know only the shadows and dim lights cast from a small fire behind them. To them, existence itself is nothing more than their experience of shadows moving and muffled noises. What else is there if you don’t know of anything? In my opinion, “Allegory of the Cave” speaks about ambition and progressive thinking. By comparison, he uses the story to highlight our own ignorance. The ‘prisoners’ in Plato’s cave do not have a choice to expand into the world, but we let our own fear trap us into our own metaphorical chains.
When Plato describes the hypothetical result of a man emerging from the cave, it represents the human reaction to change. Many of us resist change because it is unknown and unpredictable. In this particular instance, the change is a new insight about the tangible world around us. Plato is expressing his feelings on our intellectual self-induced entrapment through ignorance and resistance to change or to think in a more universal fashion.
The man who leaves the cave is first pained and confused, but later gets accustomed and has a revelation about his entire existence and what he knows to be real. It is not to be said that our comfort with the known is wrong, but it is limiting to the optimal spirituality to be found in one’s life. If we are accepting of our lives as they are we never challenge or question, prohibiting us from personal and philosophical growth. Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” was made to prompt us to investigate our own lives so we can cross-examine our self-set limitations on our interpretation of the surrounding world.
When Plato describes the hypothetical result of a man emerging from the cave, it represents the human reaction to change. Many of us resist change because it is unknown and unpredictable. In this particular instance, the change is a new insight about the tangible world around us. Plato is expressing his feelings on our intellectual self-induced entrapment through ignorance and resistance to change or to think in a more universal fashion.
The man who leaves the cave is first pained and confused, but later gets accustomed and has a revelation about his entire existence and what he knows to be real. It is not to be said that our comfort with the known is wrong, but it is limiting to the optimal spirituality to be found in one’s life. If we are accepting of our lives as they are we never challenge or question, prohibiting us from personal and philosophical growth. Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” was made to prompt us to investigate our own lives so we can cross-examine our self-set limitations on our interpretation of the surrounding world.
James S Artist Statement
To me art is a form or release on everything which can encompass you in reality. The processes of which someone can detach themselves for any spread of time to create anything within one’s own mind is truly unique. I do most of my work in the idea that originality is hard to come by but imagination from anything is endless. I’ve been catch up in fine drawing and sketching throughout my life not really trying to create pieces generally in a certain style or technique. When I was exposed to digital art from my community college I found my piece of mind, where I could more or less expand on whatever emotion or idea triggered at that time and flow with it. Encompass the work with fine arts and other mediums to create something different.To me creating art is more personal because I’m forced with the world I revolve around and the constraints of life. Everyone in my life has inspired my art into a sense of reality only able to be seen from the piece itself; whether it’s complex or very standard I believe I always find my artwork focused on a single subject and then expanded to reach other people. Views on society and life has been a main focus of my work because I believe in the now, where, and when everyone is living in this generation.
see my suggestions below:
To me art is a form or release on everything which can encompass you in reality. The processes of which someone can detach themselves for any spread of time to create anything within one’s own mind is truly unique. I do most of my work in the idea that originality is hard to come by but imagination from anything is endless.
(You need to condense the above 3 sentences into one or disregard)
For example: In the process of creating work, time stands still and in this stillness imagination becomes endless.
I’ve been catch up in fine drawing and sketching throughout my life not really trying to create pieces generally in a certain style or technique. When I was exposed to digital art from my community college I found my piece of mind, where I could more or less expand on whatever emotion or idea triggered at that time and flow with it. Encompass the work with fine arts and other mediums to create something different.To me creating art is more personal because I’m forced with the world I revolve around and the constraints of life. Everyone in my life has inspired my art into a sense of reality only able to be seen from the piece itself; whether it’s complex or very standard I believe I always find my artwork focused on a single subject and then expanded to reach other people. Views on society and life have been the main focus of my work because I believe in the now, where, and when everyone is living in this generation.
All the text in yellow has been removed. It sounds like filler. In order to understand your approach or consistant things you focus on in your work you need to look at , let's say 10 pieces. Is there anything in those works that is
consistant? Is your approach to color and its meaning demonstrated through the works in a way that you can see a pattern? What about composiiton? What about shape and line? What about use of found images?
You need more investiagtion into your process.
see my suggestions below:
To me art is a form or release on everything which can encompass you in reality. The processes of which someone can detach themselves for any spread of time to create anything within one’s own mind is truly unique. I do most of my work in the idea that originality is hard to come by but imagination from anything is endless.
(You need to condense the above 3 sentences into one or disregard)
For example: In the process of creating work, time stands still and in this stillness imagination becomes endless.
I’ve been catch up in fine drawing and sketching throughout my life not really trying to create pieces generally in a certain style or technique. When I was exposed to digital art from my community college I found my piece of mind, where I could more or less expand on whatever emotion or idea triggered at that time and flow with it. Encompass the work with fine arts and other mediums to create something different.To me creating art is more personal because I’m forced with the world I revolve around and the constraints of life. Everyone in my life has inspired my art into a sense of reality only able to be seen from the piece itself; whether it’s complex or very standard I believe I always find my artwork focused on a single subject and then expanded to reach other people. Views on society and life have been the main focus of my work because I believe in the now, where, and when everyone is living in this generation.
All the text in yellow has been removed. It sounds like filler. In order to understand your approach or consistant things you focus on in your work you need to look at , let's say 10 pieces. Is there anything in those works that is
consistant? Is your approach to color and its meaning demonstrated through the works in a way that you can see a pattern? What about composiiton? What about shape and line? What about use of found images?
You need more investiagtion into your process.
Plato
A discussion about perception and leadership is at the heart of Plato's "The Allegory of the Cave." A prisoner brought up to believe that the shadows on a wall are reality is then released from his shackles and is then allowed to experience the world in its full three dimensions. But Plato’s point is not about breaking the chains of two dimensions into the third, but from the chains of our reality into something more. Plato imagines this freedom from bondage, this walk outside of the cave into the sun, as being a journey of the soul towards intellectual enlightenment. Plato wants us to be able to go past what we can see with our eyes and to actually know what objects are.
One thing that always is of interest is that the world as we see it is only our mind’s interpretation of it. For example, our eyes pick up green more sensitively than the other colors. It is possible that our senses are not showing us reality correctly. Our eyes play tricks on us, we hear noises that aren’t there, and even our memories trick us. There has to be a constant skepticism in what we perceive.
After we travel outside of our caves, Plato argues that those enlightened have a responsibility to return to the caves and be leaders. He says that the most knowledgeable must become the politicians and lead the others because only through knowledge can you know what goodness and justice is. Plato thinks that those who want to lead are not fit, and only those who must lead out of obligation to their country should lead.
I don’t know if I agree with an idea of “absolute justice” or if there is such a thing as a finite goodness. I think that ideas such as “good” and “justice” are human constructs that don’t actually exist. Each culture has their own idea of what good is, each culture their own idea of justice, and often times these ideas of what is right contradict. But, who is to say which is right? Are Christian values good? Are Islamic values better? Jewish values bad? Is Plato the one to tell us which is which? You can’t find a moral code through a math book or by a logic exercise. There isn’t a formula that can be applied for justice. Putting power into the hands of a few enlightened people runs the risk of falling into a “Who watches the watchmen?” type of situation. Is the will of the enlightened necessarily the best thing for everybody? One of the problems with representative democracy is that the people representing us don’t always have their public’s best interest at hand, but it tends to even out because they are ultimately responsible to their constituents. The philosopher kings are only responsible to their knowledge and what their definition of good is, not the people.
James G
James S. Plato Analysis
The “Allegory of the Cave”, by Plato represents what I believe to be an extended metaphor in which we perceive and believe what is the sum of reality. After finishing Plato I realize what he’s trying to explain. The basic instinct of what we perceive in front of us is imperfect reflections or mirror images of illusion. We must experience and see with our own eyes what is real so we don’t fear something we don’t understand. Plato explains how in a cave which people are held prisoners chained down and forced to look upon the front wall of the cave, only being able to see with a dim fire lit behind and in front of the subjects are faced with the similar understandings of life and growth of birth. These prisoners are bound to the floor unable to turn their heads due to the weight of the chains; unable to see the puppeteers casting a shadow.
The text isn’t to be misled thinking it’s the perspective of the prisoners but a conversation occurring between Socrates and Glaucon. This conversation between Socrates and Glaucon describes the cave and situation within the boundaries of the cave, explaining the prisoners are mistaken to what reality really is unable to determine truth and the actual forms of reality. These prisoners are subjected to objects and images almost controlling the environment and reality of these prisoners. This is created once the prisoner is released and is forced to look at the fire and objects he once perceived of reality are now accepted as forms of truth. I believe as my interpretation of this story is how this prisoner forced into believing what is real and what is not.
Towards the climax of the story when the prisoner returns to the cave after being forced out into the harsh sun and environment realizes the sense of good and truth of what he believes in. Upon realizing this form of goodness I believe strengthens the quality of a leader to govern the other prisoners as if it was the first steps towards society. I believe it ties into this generation with the leadership roles of any form of government and politics in which reality plays such an important part in our existence to govern people towards a righteous path of assuming your own role in life and becoming individuals to truth.
James Stevens.
The text isn’t to be misled thinking it’s the perspective of the prisoners but a conversation occurring between Socrates and Glaucon. This conversation between Socrates and Glaucon describes the cave and situation within the boundaries of the cave, explaining the prisoners are mistaken to what reality really is unable to determine truth and the actual forms of reality. These prisoners are subjected to objects and images almost controlling the environment and reality of these prisoners. This is created once the prisoner is released and is forced to look at the fire and objects he once perceived of reality are now accepted as forms of truth. I believe as my interpretation of this story is how this prisoner forced into believing what is real and what is not.
Towards the climax of the story when the prisoner returns to the cave after being forced out into the harsh sun and environment realizes the sense of good and truth of what he believes in. Upon realizing this form of goodness I believe strengthens the quality of a leader to govern the other prisoners as if it was the first steps towards society. I believe it ties into this generation with the leadership roles of any form of government and politics in which reality plays such an important part in our existence to govern people towards a righteous path of assuming your own role in life and becoming individuals to truth.
James Stevens.
Lauren's Plato reponse
It is tempting to interpret Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in terms of enlightenment. Indeed, Plato’s own stance on the subject was that it spoke about a higher understanding of the good in the universe: ascension from the mundane to the profound. But I do not believe it needs to be interpreted in such a deeply spiritual or philosophical way. Plato’s own point in the story is that the common people--those below his philosopher kings--can not comprehend the deeper understanding of the world that is revealed, or discovered, by the philosophers. This theme runs through every major belief system: some are better equipped to comprehend certain truths in the world and pass it on to the rest of us. However, the true importance of Plato’s work is not about enlightenment. It is about being willing to seek out and accept truth that is right before us.
The chains are a convenient visual, but ultimately an excuse for a willful ignorance. We all possess the ability to turn our heads and walk outside at any moment. There aren’t any chains, only a refusal to look at the world objectively. We willfully blind ourselves and shroud our perception of the world in a half-reality by filtering everything we see and experience through our own beliefs and convictions.
People do not like truth. It’s that simple. There is no higher understanding of the universe, only acceptance that the universe is utterly neutral and objective--characteristics humans are unable to achieve in their entirety. Philosophy puts much emphasis on the relationship between the teacher and the student, but in the end, I believe there are only two lessons a teacher can give to a student. The first is to question everything, and the second is that we can never escape the subjectivity of human thought. Instead of seeking enlightenment, seek awareness.
The chains are a convenient visual, but ultimately an excuse for a willful ignorance. We all possess the ability to turn our heads and walk outside at any moment. There aren’t any chains, only a refusal to look at the world objectively. We willfully blind ourselves and shroud our perception of the world in a half-reality by filtering everything we see and experience through our own beliefs and convictions.
People do not like truth. It’s that simple. There is no higher understanding of the universe, only acceptance that the universe is utterly neutral and objective--characteristics humans are unable to achieve in their entirety. Philosophy puts much emphasis on the relationship between the teacher and the student, but in the end, I believe there are only two lessons a teacher can give to a student. The first is to question everything, and the second is that we can never escape the subjectivity of human thought. Instead of seeking enlightenment, seek awareness.
I see the light! ;-)
Most of humanity has still not escaped the confines of Plato’s cave. There is a certain amount of comfort and security to be found in these shadows which occupy our lives. To question our reality and existence is exactly what great philosophers like Socrates and Plato have done, but one must be willing to do so. “…If you interpret the upward journey and the contemplation of things above as the upward journey of the soul to the intelligible realm, you will grasp what I surmise since you were keen to hear it.“ Glaucon can begin his journey because he is ready. Some people may dwell in the cave all of their lives while others will break away out of undying curiosity and courage. I like how Ryan reiterated this process as being a quest rather than an immediate state of consciousness. It is certainly a quest for vision and whether there is an end or where we will reach it is impossible to say.
Being that photography is a passion of mine and my primary art form, I couldn’t help but relate the story of the cave to the effect that pictures have on the human race. Being educated by photographs may very well be compared to the shadows which appear on the wall, but can they also instill in us the knowledgeable truth that Socrates and Plato present? Perhaps in another way. There is not a doubt in my mind that photographs have to the ability to fit right in with movies and television programs. Anna brought up a good point about the projected images and messages we get from the media being the shadows that dance on the cave‘s wall. However, when letting go of this addiction to have photographs serve as our only reality it can be understood as something completely different. I think of being behind the lens of the camera is like an extension of consciousness. Ultimately, I have the power to take an experience and transform it into a new way of seeing.
Being that photography is a passion of mine and my primary art form, I couldn’t help but relate the story of the cave to the effect that pictures have on the human race. Being educated by photographs may very well be compared to the shadows which appear on the wall, but can they also instill in us the knowledgeable truth that Socrates and Plato present? Perhaps in another way. There is not a doubt in my mind that photographs have to the ability to fit right in with movies and television programs. Anna brought up a good point about the projected images and messages we get from the media being the shadows that dance on the cave‘s wall. However, when letting go of this addiction to have photographs serve as our only reality it can be understood as something completely different. I think of being behind the lens of the camera is like an extension of consciousness. Ultimately, I have the power to take an experience and transform it into a new way of seeing.
9.08.2008
anna's allegory of the cave writeup
I remember reading The Allergory of the Cave awhile ago for a philosophy class. When I originally read it, I thought about enlightenment, how we attain it, what is our individual responsibility to seek it, and how do we foster it in others.
Reading it again, I could not help but think about our government, namely these past eight years. I also thought of the reading as it relates to being an artist, especially when Socrates explains to Glaucon, that a teacher imparts the knowledge, but the student still has to take it in and find their own truth in it.
I do agree with Plato in the sense that there is basic goodness in the world, that those enlightened have a certain responsibility to those not as fortunate, and that a good society should have wise leaders. I don't wholly agree with him, when he stresses that intellectual knowledge is the only way to wisdom. I believe inituitive sense is relevant too. Though I think here, Socrates is speaking about the literal senses of the body.
When Socrates describes the cave to Glaucon, it makes me think of the cave as our modern living rooms. The shadows cast on the walls, are our flat screen TV's projecting images and messages. What is real, what is truth? How much responsibility is ours to look beyond the shadows? To stay shackled, is that just to remain blindly trusting in the shadows before us? Is it more safe/easier not to question?
Humanity seems to keep recycling the same issues throughout history; the value of wisdom vs. material honors and glories. I couldn't help but think of our current administration. In my lifetime, the administration in office has been the most blatantly deceptive. I makes you realize the power of rumor, 'weapons of mass destruction', anyone? It's amazing that if you say 9/11 and Irag in the same sentence enough times, it becomes truth. How much is our responsibility to fact check a rumor?
Some of Plato's ideals like king-philosophers with compassion and wisdom that understand their own responsibility to the 'state' is something we hope for in our leaders. I also think it's important to seek knowledge both personally and in the worldly sense, whether it's shaping our vision/truth as an artist (after learning different mediums, artists, etc. what do you want to convey, express), or looking beyone the surface of mainstream media to form our knowledge and truths about the world around us.
Reading it again, I could not help but think about our government, namely these past eight years. I also thought of the reading as it relates to being an artist, especially when Socrates explains to Glaucon, that a teacher imparts the knowledge, but the student still has to take it in and find their own truth in it.
I do agree with Plato in the sense that there is basic goodness in the world, that those enlightened have a certain responsibility to those not as fortunate, and that a good society should have wise leaders. I don't wholly agree with him, when he stresses that intellectual knowledge is the only way to wisdom. I believe inituitive sense is relevant too. Though I think here, Socrates is speaking about the literal senses of the body.
When Socrates describes the cave to Glaucon, it makes me think of the cave as our modern living rooms. The shadows cast on the walls, are our flat screen TV's projecting images and messages. What is real, what is truth? How much responsibility is ours to look beyond the shadows? To stay shackled, is that just to remain blindly trusting in the shadows before us? Is it more safe/easier not to question?
Humanity seems to keep recycling the same issues throughout history; the value of wisdom vs. material honors and glories. I couldn't help but think of our current administration. In my lifetime, the administration in office has been the most blatantly deceptive. I makes you realize the power of rumor, 'weapons of mass destruction', anyone? It's amazing that if you say 9/11 and Irag in the same sentence enough times, it becomes truth. How much is our responsibility to fact check a rumor?
Some of Plato's ideals like king-philosophers with compassion and wisdom that understand their own responsibility to the 'state' is something we hope for in our leaders. I also think it's important to seek knowledge both personally and in the worldly sense, whether it's shaping our vision/truth as an artist (after learning different mediums, artists, etc. what do you want to convey, express), or looking beyone the surface of mainstream media to form our knowledge and truths about the world around us.
Ryan's Write-up for Plato
Through the story of “The Allegory of the Cave”, Plato presents multiple philosophies of the world. Guiding the viewer through Socrates and Glaucon’s conversation the story line evolves from a dialog filled with prompting questions and answers that are even more captivating. Exploring these many philosophies within the storyline, this allegory addresses three of Plato’s more pertinent thoughts. These three thoughts are that knowledge cannot be merely transferred from teacher to student, that enlightened individuals hold obligations to the rest of society, and also that the world we perceive is not the real world, but merely a simplified copy. Ideas that support these thoughts flood the storyline and create a sense of inquiry into the world around us. They also guide the reader to explore the world around us and leave great room for interpretation. This allows the reader to both personally connect to the writing and gain from it.
Firstly, Plato’s idea of transferring knowledge is one that seems very poignant. It can be witnessed when one cave-dweller is let out into the light and returns to share this new found knowledge with those still captive. At first, the captives think that their newly enlightened brother has gone mad and that the bright light from above has caused his vision to falter. They then refuse his ideas and it becomes said that if pushed they might even turn to violence to keep the same from happening to one of them, reflecting the sentencing of Socrates in true events Here Plato demonstrates this thought on education very well. He shows that although a teacher can present students with great ideas of the world around them, they must also be willing to take these ideas and learn from them. The students must be willing to investigate these ideas and accept them, for otherwise the words of the educator mean nothing. This idea can easily translate to all areas of education, but grows even more powerful when coupled with the next philosophy.
The same events presented above also present the reader with the quintessential idea that those who are enlightened have a responsibility to the rest of society. When our now knowledgeable cave-dweller thinks of the other captives, he wishes to tell them of the new sense of reality he has discovered. He tries to tell them of their lives’ falsehoods and show them the truth of their situation even though he might be rejected. With this knew knowledge the individual is shown a way to help others. Through sharing this information with others a society of a higher standard can be created with more of an understanding of the world around them. The idea reflects back to that of education however, and although one has the obligation to the society around them, they can not force the knowledge upon it. They must instead lead other to the point of enlightenment and allow the experience of it to be a personal one.
Lastly, the idea of how the world is perceived is addressed through out the stories events and the two main characters’ discussion. It was believed by Plato that the world as we see it is just second hand copy of reality and he presents this idea through the disposition of those in the cave. Although they trust that the shadows on the cave wall in front of them are true objects, the viewer knows them to be just shadows. Knowing only what they are used to the cave-dwellers are blind to a hundred different worlds that existed around them and this is how our own position was seen by Plato. Through this concept he urges the reader to explore the possibilities of different worlds around us and to open their eyes to these possibilities. It is these different points that help translate the story to a personal level for each person experiencing the allegory.
It is true that many different angles could be read into the story line of “The Allegory of the Cave”, but for the personal purposes and that of the class room it became apparent what angle this story should be lead into. Essentially, as the story unfolded it became ideal to relate these theories to the world of fine arts. Learning from these ideas one could contemplate different positions that an artist might be placed into. It becomes our job as an artist to see this enlightenment depicted in the allegory and share it in a more soothing means than shouting it upon the ears of the ignorant. For we are in a time were this freedom exists and we will most likely not be sentenced to death for such an action like Socrates was. However, we must also know that enlightenment is not a state of being, but rather it is more of a quest. It is a quest that sees no end and always uncovers a set of new tunnels and pathways to be traveled down. Keeping the ideas of Plato in mind an artist can share their vision and ideas learned through these travels with society using their artwork and sharing this knowledge on the terms of the viewer as well as on terms of their own.
Firstly, Plato’s idea of transferring knowledge is one that seems very poignant. It can be witnessed when one cave-dweller is let out into the light and returns to share this new found knowledge with those still captive. At first, the captives think that their newly enlightened brother has gone mad and that the bright light from above has caused his vision to falter. They then refuse his ideas and it becomes said that if pushed they might even turn to violence to keep the same from happening to one of them, reflecting the sentencing of Socrates in true events Here Plato demonstrates this thought on education very well. He shows that although a teacher can present students with great ideas of the world around them, they must also be willing to take these ideas and learn from them. The students must be willing to investigate these ideas and accept them, for otherwise the words of the educator mean nothing. This idea can easily translate to all areas of education, but grows even more powerful when coupled with the next philosophy.
The same events presented above also present the reader with the quintessential idea that those who are enlightened have a responsibility to the rest of society. When our now knowledgeable cave-dweller thinks of the other captives, he wishes to tell them of the new sense of reality he has discovered. He tries to tell them of their lives’ falsehoods and show them the truth of their situation even though he might be rejected. With this knew knowledge the individual is shown a way to help others. Through sharing this information with others a society of a higher standard can be created with more of an understanding of the world around them. The idea reflects back to that of education however, and although one has the obligation to the society around them, they can not force the knowledge upon it. They must instead lead other to the point of enlightenment and allow the experience of it to be a personal one.
Lastly, the idea of how the world is perceived is addressed through out the stories events and the two main characters’ discussion. It was believed by Plato that the world as we see it is just second hand copy of reality and he presents this idea through the disposition of those in the cave. Although they trust that the shadows on the cave wall in front of them are true objects, the viewer knows them to be just shadows. Knowing only what they are used to the cave-dwellers are blind to a hundred different worlds that existed around them and this is how our own position was seen by Plato. Through this concept he urges the reader to explore the possibilities of different worlds around us and to open their eyes to these possibilities. It is these different points that help translate the story to a personal level for each person experiencing the allegory.
It is true that many different angles could be read into the story line of “The Allegory of the Cave”, but for the personal purposes and that of the class room it became apparent what angle this story should be lead into. Essentially, as the story unfolded it became ideal to relate these theories to the world of fine arts. Learning from these ideas one could contemplate different positions that an artist might be placed into. It becomes our job as an artist to see this enlightenment depicted in the allegory and share it in a more soothing means than shouting it upon the ears of the ignorant. For we are in a time were this freedom exists and we will most likely not be sentenced to death for such an action like Socrates was. However, we must also know that enlightenment is not a state of being, but rather it is more of a quest. It is a quest that sees no end and always uncovers a set of new tunnels and pathways to be traveled down. Keeping the ideas of Plato in mind an artist can share their vision and ideas learned through these travels with society using their artwork and sharing this knowledge on the terms of the viewer as well as on terms of their own.
Michelle's Allegory of the Cave Response
For Plato, human beings live in a world of visible and intelligible things. In “Allegory of the Cave”, Plato establishes a cave in which prisoners are tied down and forced to look up at a wall of the cave. His abstract presentation of the “divided line”, symbolized between the dark cave and the outside world, helps illustrate the concepts of human illusions, beliefs, reason, and intelligence.
In “Allegory of the Cave”, the visible/changing world is characterized by the illusions and beliefs the prisoners have of the shadows on the wall in front of them. In the space hidden above them in the cave is a fire. This is the light source for the shadow projections and can also be symbolic of the true light of reason and intelligence. Plato emphasizes the symbolism of light when Socrates adds on to the allegory by exposing a freed prisoner to the world outside the dark cave. This having been said, Plato stresses the division between the intelligible world within the cave, and the visible world above the cave in daylight. The metaphor of the sun can be also be interpreted as the necessary light to see things in order to raise valid ideas about them. Once the freed prisoner is released, he is forced to look upon the fire and the objects that once dictated his perception of reality within the dark cave. Doing this, the prisoner realizes these new images in front of him are now the accepted forms of reality.
Plato’s freed prisoner represents the vision of a solid leader. Even though the rest of the prisoners will not understand him and his insights, he is expected to return to the cave to govern the truth. This interpretation can be applied to the roles of a teacher to his/her student, much similar to that between Socrates and his student Glaucon. Through this allegory, Socrates has highlighted an educator’s role, in stressing that knowledge cannot be transferred from teacher to student, but that education lies within the mentor directing his/her student towards the path to what is important and real, this way allowing the student to discover the truth themselves.
I believe “Allegory of the Cave” can be very valuable to students and teachers alike. Applying this piece of literature to our class may explain the process we as art students should be prepared for: finding our own way to a successful piece. As we are guided throughout our own artistic endeavors more so than instructed on what to create, it also may be essential for us to realize that this method should help inspire and prepare us to work and think more independently as artists and human beings alike.
Kate's Response to Plato
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave fascinated me mainly because it deals with perception of reality. Plato compares our physical world to a dark cave. We are the prisoners he mentions, who fully believe that reality is composed of what we perceive with our senses, that is, mere shadows. Once one prisoner is freed and introduced to the outside world, or what Plato sees as the intellectual world, that prisoner is at first overwhelmed, but eventually embraces enlightenment and dreads returning to the darkness.
Plato is not the only one who believes that our tangible world is nothing more than a shadow. Many have revisited this concept—ranging from Albert Einstein to the Wachowski brothers. Einstein wrote, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one,” while the Wachowski brothers brought us The Matrix.
Perhaps I too will explore this idea in my own work. I feel drawn to the topic. After following James's advice and delving deeper into why I make my sculptures, I have realized that in a way they are a rejection of reality. I hope to develop these thoughts in the coming semester.
Plato is not the only one who believes that our tangible world is nothing more than a shadow. Many have revisited this concept—ranging from Albert Einstein to the Wachowski brothers. Einstein wrote, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one,” while the Wachowski brothers brought us The Matrix.
Perhaps I too will explore this idea in my own work. I feel drawn to the topic. After following James's advice and delving deeper into why I make my sculptures, I have realized that in a way they are a rejection of reality. I hope to develop these thoughts in the coming semester.
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