Does this paragraph discussing the sun good analogy make sense?

Question

In the sun good analogy, Plato uses the sun as a metaphor for the source of illumination where the good is the object of knowledge or the intellectual illumination. The eye needs light. With the sun we can discern objects clearly. “Well, then, think the soul is also characterized in this way. When it fixes itself on that which is illuminated by truth and that which it is, it intellects, knows, and appears to posses intelligence. But when it fixes itself on that which is mixed with darkness, on coming into being and passing away, it opines and is dimmed, changing opinions up and down, and seems at such times not to posses intelligence,”(Republic 508d). We must direct our minds there to have knowledge, or we will only have the opinion given to us by passing shadows. This analogy was followed by the analogy of the divided line. To Plato there is opinion, knowledge and ignorance. Knowledge is the absolute, ignorance is the absence of knowing and opinion is in the middle. Plato arg

Plato argues that we see opinions. Plato continues with the ideas of these comparisons.



This is between a paragraph about the methodology of plato and continuing is the paragraphy of the allegory of the cave. the topics in this paragragh i had trouble grasping.... can you help me with it?

Answer 1

I am not certain, by the way you have described Plato's theory and the analogy that I'd be capable of answering your question through clarity versed from full understanding.
In that case, may I respond with this:
In art-school, I asked a well respected teacher how art would help instead of hindering. His answer was to tell the situation with Adolph Hitler.
Hitler, before he fully bloomed into the diabolical killer maniac, he was to become, did possess the sensitivity, devoted interest to draw and paint.
I have seen a book of his work . at times his work is more than just competent, and seemed to show the more rational, sensitive part of the man.
However when he tried to join the Academy of Art, he was rejected for the very strict reasons, many European institutions follow toward accepting students.
Hitler was enraged - DISHEARTENED - disappointed (and I am guessing) took upon himself, ALL that one or few professors from a prestigious academy had decided to judge him.
I believe this early rejection, MIXED with other more sinister forces already brewing in him caused him to turn to the DARKNESS of the soul.
I asked my own teacher what did all this have to do with my question.
His reply was, that as he had experienced through life, there was the Brilliance (LIGHT) of the Soul - And - The Darkness within it, therefore, according to HIS belief : art was at the end of the spectrum as Brilliance . . EXPRESSION offering a healthy Outlet.
Violence, Hatred, all that is born of Negative expression, which is alike being CLOSED_DOWN, Barricaded, Imprisoned within itself, was bound to search for answers through the DARKNESS of the Soul, at the opposite end of the spectrum.
That spectrum in its entirety is in ALL of US!

In Hitler's case being gouged out of HEART, as disheartened means to me, left a void for dark, sinister forces to enter and fill that Void. The rest, (take a little or more of other influential factors, already afflicting him) IS History!

Well, that is the best I can do . . hopefully at the periphery of answering your question, which I do not fully understand?

Have I helped somewhat?
Thank you for the need to place upon my head The Thinking Cap!

Grace (Buddhist)

Answer 2

This part doesn't make sense " that which it is, it intellects, knows," unless you are using intellects as a verb. Did you copy the quote properly?

Other than that it seems well written. I'm not up on my Plato, but what you wrote is coherent.

Answer 3

we form our opinions on the facts [knowledge] and the unknown facts[ ignorance], this leads us to believe that opinions are very person and and can never be trusted as total and complete knowledge[fact]nor ignorance

Answer 4

my soffee hasn't kicked in, a lot on my mind now


this sort of thing goes over my head mostly, same for Calculus