In the allegory, Socrates describes a dark cave deep in the Earth. In the back of the cave there is a fire, the only light and the only way to see in the cave. In front of the fire is a roadway with people walking across with objects to cast shadows with the fire. These objects are cutouts, consisting of the shapes of animals and plants. Plato is describing the Cave as the world as we are taught children. The cutouts represent our religious morals and the morals taught by our parents.

Similarly, we can compare the shadows to religions of modern age. If for some hypothetical reason, someone would find out that all the religions and gods that have existed are false theories, would that person do harm in disclosing this newfound truth to all, including those who have devoted their lives to serving their god? Would it in any way be better in this case to use Socrates’ idea of censorship to maintain a just world? This new knowledge would help end many worldwide conflicts. The Middle East and Ireland would probably put their differences aside, that being a great accomplishment of the knowledge dispersed. On the other hand, depression, suicidal and crime rates would probably soar. For those who used their god as a way to cope with life’s troubles, the idea of the nonexistent rewarding and fulfilling afterlife would make their difficulties seem overbearing. Those whose only deterrent for living a just life is the fear of an all knowing god, would loose all inhibitions and follow their will.

Although Glaucon was dissuaded from arguing the point, I feel his hesitation was not absurd. There is no actual way of knowing for sure that the enlightened cave dweller has actually seen all the truth there is to know. Therefore, how could he teach others what he is not certain are to still not be simple reflections?

Although a great risk of losing many possible great prisoners to the cave, the enlightened prisoner should not be forced to return. He should not put aside his happiness or safety. He should be free to leave the Cave, if the prisoners refuse to understand the hand to knowledge they are being extended. I also feel that if we will never come to know the truth. Pursuing it, like crawling out of the Cave, brings us closer to it. Chis, I wanna include, “knowledge is its own reward,

Some topics in this essay:
Allegory Cave, Cave Socrates, East Ireland, enlightened prisoner, leave cave, released prisoner, cave teach, return cave, risk losing, appears cave, accustomed light,