ssignment instructions: Read Diyanni, Chapter 6, pp. 133-146 and do the assignment below.
Plato is a Greek philosopher born in 428-427 B.C. near the city-state of Athens, at a time when ancient Athenian democracy was already well developed. He belonged to a wealthy and aristocratic family involved in Athenian politics. He was also the founder of the Academy in Athens, which can be regarded as the Western worlds first university, and its first school of philosophy. He died some time between 348-347 B.C.

      The Allegory of the Cave comes from Platos most famous work, The Republic, in which Plato argues for creating an ideal city-state where philosophers, rather than citizens, are the rulers. As a result of a careful education, and the use of reason, these so-called philosopher kings can determine what is good and just policy for the city-state rather than be influenced by their bias and passions. The implication is that the Athenian power structure of Platos time is corrupt and led by citizens who make impulsive and self-serving decisions.

      Plato couches his argument in the form of a dialogue between Socrates (Platos mentor) and  Glaucon (Platos brother). Socrates is trying to persuade Glaucon to accept his vision of a philosopher city-state. The allegory of the cave is one explanation among several of how learning to use ones reason is essential is seeing the truth and teaching others to lead a good and virtuous life.

Read the attached excerpt of the allegory, watch the link posted below. Write on the following questions:

1) What is life like in the cave and why does Plato find it lacking?  How can people get out of the cave? Once out of the cave, why does the prisoner go back in?

2) What strikes you as strange or interesting in the Platos allegory?  Do you think his argument is valid? Why or why not?