Power. Pronouncing the word is enough to cause watering of the mouth in some, and yet to others it�s simply an overrated tool, most often misused for the benefit of a greedy individual. The quest for power is the motivating force for many ambitious people in society. Whether it is financial, physical, intellectual, or of military, everyone knows of at least one instance in which power has been used to achieve completely corrupt objectives. Such prevalent abuse of power in society causes a person to question how one would obtain power, and how it would be used for the good of the state as opposed to the good of a few insatiable, twisted people. In "The Republic", during Plato�s allegory of the cave, a similar situation is illustrated. I found this to be the most significant message as it greatly adhered to my perception of society as it is, and how it should be.

    Plato�s description of the cave�s inhabitants was incredibly close to how I view most of society for many reasons. In the society (cave) which Plato described, the inhabitants could only see shadows, projected onto the rear of the cave. All they knew of, was a small percentage of what was actually there, and sadly, they willingly accepted all they knew as all there was. I also share this view of society. Most people live their lives completely unaware of almost everything. Though they read the newspaper, watch the evening anchor-man discuss the latest current events, and spend much time discussing recent social and political developments, they limit themselves to a tiny, appetizing serving of reality when they could have a delicious, heaping platter. I believe the reason for this is the same reason that Plato described the start of the journey of would-be philosopher kings, as being dragged out of the cave. Fearing the many challenges and unknown disasters associated with life outside the cave, the cave dwellers complacently carried on with their normal lives. It would have required enormous amounts of effort and induced far too much stress for any of the cavernous captives to attempt to break free from their chains, so they continued to watch the colorless images of reality dance and frolic instead. This is exactly how society behaves today. They only eat little appetizers because it takes far too much work to prepare a large and nourishing meal. (This also does an excellent job of explaining the popularity of microwavable TV dinners.) I think that people in general would be happier with a more solid understanding of the world than they are with their "dumbed-down" version.

    The most powerful idea that Plato discussed while describing the allegory of the cave was society�s rejection upon return of the few that dared to be enlightened by their experience outside the cave. The terrified cave dwellers subjected the enlightened to intense scrutiny and judgement. With the cave�s residents expressing resentment and discomfort about the presence of the "higher" beings, it was just as difficult a task to reintegrate with society as it was to leave. In today�s society, it is also incredibly difficult to leave the cave. With temptations like playing the coolest games, driving the fastest cars, meeting the most beautiful women, and drinking the most beer, it is amazing that some people actually discover the power to break free from worldly delights. Once a person has chosen to leave, they are faced with a number of roadblocks that at first, appear to increase exponentially. They must find an educational institution that they believe will offer the knowledge which they seek. Then, they have to pay for it. Along with the great financial burden that accompanies post secondary education, there is intense social and emotional distress as well. The new members of "high society" quickly plunge into states of incredible sadness and depression as they realize how much of their lives the worldly pleasures accounted for. This eventually works out for the best, like a recovering drug addict in a rehabilitation program. After a few years of disorientation (both physically and mentally), the "high society" member begins to feel comfortable in their new setting, surrounded by others just like them. And as quickly as their happiness began, it ends, as they complete their course of study and return to a world that worships naivete and disillusion. As the "journeyman" returned to the cave in Plato�s idea, the recent graduate plunges back into darkness. They are considered dangerous, threatening, and deceitful to those who don�t understand them.

    The average members of society perpetually wait to uncover the mischievous plans of the educated, with good reason. The education system through which a former cave dweller would pass (in Plato�s model), would consist of a much more rigorous and comprehensive learning process than our society could possibly offer. Though I believe that Plato was right by insisting that the knowledge gained through study should be for the greater good, I do not believe that academic institutions in today�s world would ever consider teaching such courses as morals, and ethics to all students. Even if they did however, the already mature students would have long since developed behavioral tendencies, which are difficult, if not impossible to change.

    Plato�s cave analogy is one of the most interesting ideas in the entire book and despite how much better the world would be if incredible people could lift themselves out of darkness to lead the others into the light, it will most likely remain an ideal, in a book. Albert Einstein put it best: "Knowledge of what is does not open the door directly to what should be".

    The Republic. The book we were supposed to read to successfully complete PHL101.









    Barron's Book Notes: The book that seemed to be enough to get me an A- in PHL101.