did he prove there was an external world? and was he correct in his philosophy or was he contradicted?
2007-03-25 20:12:33 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Plato wasn't seeking to prove the reality of the external world, but rather to illustrate the difficulty to attain true happiness through philosophy. The allegory illustrates the societal disdain of philosophy and the unwillingness of people to question conventions. It is in essence a neat little package story of Socrates, who becomes aware of his ignorance, and attempts to enlighten others, only to be sentenced to death.
"Men would say of him that up he went and down he came without his eyes; and that it was better not even to think of ascending; and if any one tried to loose another and lead him up to the light, let them only catch the offender, and they would put him to death." (Republic - Book VII)
-Kerplunk288
2007-03-25 20:40:53 · answer #1 · answered by Kerplunk! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The point of the cave was that it is possible that there is another more perfect world and that we are only looking at a pale reflection of it.
2007-03-25 20:20:53 · answer #2 · answered by Gnomon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a fable.
People need to shut up about it already.
2007-03-25 22:42:32 · answer #3 · answered by pikeymf 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋