Simon Blackburn on Plato's Cave

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

Plato's allegory of the cave, found in Book Seven of 'The Republic,' describes prisoners shackled in a cave who only see shadows and take them for reality. The allegory symbolizes the ascent of the soul and the pursuit of improvement and understanding. The journey starts with a prisoner being released and ascending to the outside world, where he sees the sun and gains total understanding. However, he returns to the cave and becomes a philosopher king, with the right to be listened to. The allegory has religious, visionary, and educational interpretations, highlighting an ascent to moral authority, heightened awareness of the world, and depth of understanding.