Plato's Allegory with Respect to the Questions of Philosophy

Plato's Allegory of the Cave not only can be used to illustrate his own views on the levels of reality, but it can be used to address all of the major questions presented by philosophy as well, or the major concepts that should be remembered at least. Philosophy focuses on certain key concepts. And each of these concepts is brought to light in Plato's allegory.

First, Plato's allegory reminds us that thinking critically and logically is very important in philosophy. It illustrates how questioning basic assumptions and completely evaluating everything, even what you are sure to be truth, is necessary to truly understand and discover ultimate reality. And logic is the first philosophical area of study, which deals with thinking differently and critically.

Next, Plato proves that the truth is not always obvious. It is not always what it directly before us or what we have always accepted to be true. It shows how human opinion and true knowledge can often be different. It shows how sometimes things must be thought of with a new perspective to obtain true knowledge. This part of his allegory reminds us of epistemology, which is another area of philosophy that focuses on knowledge.

Also, and very importantly, Plato distinguishes between appearance and reality, which is essential to understand when thinking philosophically. It shows how sometimes what we perceive as real is only just an illusion, such as shadows or dreams. And this is in reference to the next area of philosophy known as metaphysics, which is concerned with ultimate truth or reality.

Then, Plato's allegory offers the possibility of a higher being, which translates to religion. Plato suggests forms, ideas, and a reality that transcends the physical world which suggest a higher power and brings forth another area that philosophers study, religion and the debate on the existence of a transcendent reality.

In addition, Plato's allegory contains ethical concerns as well. It brings forth questions of moral responsibility and obligation. This, ethics, is yet another key concept in philosophy that philosophers frequently debate on.

Last, the allegory causes us to wonder how society should be organized. Should society be organized on the basis of the majority when the majority can so often be wrong? This is the moment when Plato addresses the political side of philosophy.

In Plato's Allegory of the Cave he skillfully points out each major question posed by philosophy. It illuminates the questions posed by all areas of philosophical study: logic, epistemology, metaphysics, religion, ethics, and politics.