1. Today: Discussing the Allegory of the Cave
3/13/08 BR: The myth of the cave (from Republic) is Plato’s allegory (symbolic story) for..
Today: Discussing the Allegory of the Cave

2. What is an allegory?
It is a story where the figures and concepts stand for something else.
For example, the movie “The Matrix.” What is that an allegory for?

6. What’s Going on in the Cave?
It is an allegory for the human condition.
We are all like the people locked in and facing the wall of the cave. All we can see are the shadows passing behind us (reality.) We hear echoes of reality. If we turn to face reality we are blinded. If we leave the cave (are turned loose) we can be blinded if we return.

9. Exit Slip – Do now! (15 Points)
In a paragraph, discuss why you disagree with Plato’s allegory.
Our lives are/ are not like the lives of the people in the cave because…