What is the relationship between Plato's Allegory of the Cave and education? The relationship between Plato’s allegory of the cave and education is that the cave is a representation of our education and our truth. It is all we know thus we accept it readily without questioning its credibility. Our people remain stagnant because they don’t know any better. However as we empower ourselves and become educated we start to question these theories that we were once told to believe. This is the point in Plato’s Allegory that we have broken from our chains and coming out of the cave for the first time. We are blinded by the sudden burst of light and knew knowledge. We want to share this new discovery with our friends in the cave but their lack of educations makes it understandable for them. They can’t comprehend and don’t believe us because they don’t know any better. It’s like when the politician goes around campaigning to the grass roots people and selling them these ideas. They believe it completely because they don’t know any better and they will always accept whatever the politicians tell them. Those who are educated (the ones who have seen the light outside of the cave) however know better and even though they try to put reason and logic to the others they just don’t seem to get it. According to Buzzle.com, “ The way we perceive things around us and the way we lead our lives, is actually not the "truth". We human beings are leading ignorant, incomplete lives, following the paths, rules, norms, ethics, set by the previous generations, without questioning them. Plato brings up this plight of humans by depicting them as prisoners in a cave. These prisoners are sitting facing a wall, tied in chains, with a fire between them and the wall, which makes shadows on the wall. The prisoners mistakenly think that these shadows on the walls are the "reality", cause that is what the fellow prisoners or the ones before them conveys” (par 3). Until we can start to reason and think for ourselves rather that accepting what we are told we will remain prisoners of the cave.
Reference
Buzzle.com (2011). Allegory of the cave. Summary. Retried form http://www.buzzle.com/articles/allegory-of-the-cave-summary.html
“The Allegory of the Cave” symbolically describes our current state of illiteracy and suggests that education is our solution. Illiteracy is powerfully linked to low social status, poverty and poor health. Lack of literacy skills traps us into the cycle of poverty with limited options for economic improvement, sentencing our children to chronic poverty and limited education and training opportunities. The allegory of the cave reminds me of growing up in the teacher centered classrooms. In such classrooms we were expected to accept whatever the teacher says as word, without question. As such reality at the time was what we were taught through words and action. Our society views education as formal training that one receives in schools however education is more than just formal training. Education is gained throughout our lifetime by means of curiosity, insight, individual study, discourse and observation. The education that Plato spoke about was not the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student but rather education that guides student's minds toward what is real and important and allowing them to grasp it for themselves. He believes that education is not a process of putting knowledge into empty minds, but of making people realize that which they already know. Education is a means by which we can literally move out of the darkness and into the light of knowledge. Education allows us to think critically and question ideas in order to develop new knowledge and ways of thinking. In the allegory the prisoner emerges into the sunlight similarly education brings about a state of enlightenment. As we become educated society is then able to benefit from our attainment because educated individuals are considered fit to govern the rest of society. In Belize however political appointments tend to supersedes education.
I agree with Plato’s theory about the general terms of our language which are not “names” of the physical objects that we can see, on the top of page two. One example of the things that we turn a blind eye to is the crime and violence in our country that is presently affecting us all. We are like prisoners, and like Plato said we need to think and speak out.
According to the class handout retrieved from http://faculty.washington.edu/smcohen/320/cave.htm on February 21st, 2011. Plato is acknowledging that mankind does their automatic functions without any focus on their realm of forms. What we see we take as is, there is no exclamation given to the true nature of what is before us. Like the prisoners in the cave we are enslave and is ignorant to what the truth is. I agree with my colleague Andrea comment where she stated that the relationship between Plato Allegory of the Cave and Education is that the cave is a representation of our education and or truth. I would however go a bit further and say that Plato wants us to utilize our abilities and senses to gather information that will give us knowledge. This knowledge does not only come from formal education but from our socialization and our environment. The more stimulated one gets the more interest is expressed in wanting more, doing more and producing more. We are all responsible to break our chains and advance ourselves with education as a tool to fuel further learning.
When we speak, think, etc, without actually being aware it is not actually visualize. Institutionalize education is a reflection of education of life to a certain extent. The education provided in schools is very different from what they experience for themselves in the real world by doing that they get real life education. Most of the time our senses tells us lie and in order to differ from that we need to be directly expose to the world around us to get real education. Rather than students depend on what is thought in schools they should get to see and live life for themselves instead of living through someone else’s eyes. When we really visualize something in our minds then it is really there, then we can make connections about what is real in life and what is not. Like what Socrates suggest if the prisoners would take the shadows to be real things and the echoes to be real sounds, not just reflections of reality, since they are all they had ever seen or heard. They would praise as clever whoever could best guess which shadow would come next, as someone who understood the nature of the world, and the whole of their society would depend on the shadows on the wall. Sometimes we may confuse ourselves with things that we learnt in school, etc, to things that are made up and we think is true. When we can really visualize in our minds the realm of education then you are experiencing it.
The allegory of the cave in relation to education is that education is a vital possession. Having education can make a huge impact and difference in anyone’s life. Education however is not simply receiving knowledge but using them in life as one goes along. Learning never stops it is a long life skill and the more educated people the less chaotic and problematic life is. When children experience and can make connections form life to learning or from learning into life is when education is truly fulfilling. In life there will be some individuals who because of lack of education fail to understand certain circumstances and the reason why decisions might be made for the benefit of the whole hence why situations become problematic and there is confusion and frustration. Social wise in these harsh times education is the major form of income if individuals are not educated then there is that imbalance where some will do whatever it takes to get money without education an resort to theft, murder etc. The cave represents us; the light is the way through to achieve success, the light is getting an education and sharing that light with others to help the environment be a better a place through the power of education.
The allegory of the cave tells us what education is about. In the cave, the citizens never see "reality" They only get to see the shadows on the wall that the Forms cast.Of course, they have never seen anything else, so they think the forms are reality. They are chained so they cannot look behind them or gain any insight from those around them who also suspect that the shadows are reality and make more noise than sense.If one of them can break free into the light of day, that person (the philosopher) may then be able to come back into the cave to enlighten the other citizens about what reality is.Of course, they are not going to take what he has to say all that well after all, he will be negating all they have ever held as true.
The purpose of education is the same. Although there are many intermediate goals (facts to be learned, skills to be mastered), the ultimate goal of education is to move us out of the cave, out of what Frost calls, "[The] darkness as it seems to me/Not of woods only and the shade of trees" (Mending Wall) and into the light of knowledge. Education leads us to question facts, to seek new information, to question old assumptions, and to move closer to the "truth" than students and teachers were before.
Most of what Plato mention in the “Allegory of the Cave” can be evident in how we as a people see education and what we succumb to/believe. The men chain in the dark signifies ignorance and education is the light, and until we educate ourselves we will always be in the dark and will not be free from our chains. If we as humans do not educate ourselves we will continue looking at “shadows of reality”.
Sometimes you find that once you are educated and try to teach those still in the dark, your efforts are met with resistance. Those in the dark know only what they believe to be true from the shadows of the items they are seeing, so they would resist against the ones who are educated and trying to show/tell them anything differently. It’s like a young child being taught a certain way of thinking and never learned through mental freedom to create their own beliefs and values.
On the other hand the ones who leave the darkness and experience the reality of the world do not take the necessary time to teach the ones who are in the dark. I believe that all the people in the dark needs are the proper guidance and support to be able to see the light and have some form of direction. All humans are born with the capabilities to learn and as teachers we need to keep this in mind in order to help the students in our care.
I agree with Roxanne’s comment that “knowledge does not only come from formal education” because education is a life-long process and can be gained through formal as well as informal means. Education broadens our horizon and gives us a better understanding of the world around us and how things work. It is the basis of a civilized structured society. It reduces social and economic inequality, allowing development to be equally shared. Advancements in all fields, including science and technology are made possible through education. It places us in a better position to contribute more positively to society and even towards the planet, as we understand the implications of our choices and actions. The importance of education is emphasized through the words of US President Barack Obama, when he said, “In an economy where knowledge is the most valuable commodity a person and a country have to offer, the best jobs will go to the best educated - whether they live in the United States or India or China”. The president makes a very important observation, pertaining to the need of education in holding a good job and flourishing in a successful career.
Deborah stated that “sometimes you find that once you are educated and try to teach those still in the dark, your efforts are met with resistance” as with the escaped prisoners that found enlightenment and returned to the cave trying to persuade its inhabitants that there is another, better, more real world than the one in which they have so long been content to dwell. Similarly, teachers at times are hindered by what may seem as a lack of interest in the classroom however our job as teacher is to persuade our students that education opens doors and give us unimagined opportunities. Education is seen as a means to alleviate poverty and foster social change. It is a ladder that can be used to climb out of poverty, exclusion, ignorance, oppression and injustices. In ‘The Allegory of the Cave’ education is seen as our journey out of the cave and as teachers we are tasked with the responsibility of helping our students understand the importance of education and provide the means to foster that journey.
I got the impression that those in the cave are people who lack or refuse to be educated.It is our job as educators to help students get out of the cave they may put up a resistance because they lack the knowledge of the benefits of being educated, It is our job as teachers to get students interested in getting educated, Education is the building blocks for our nations future, teachers need to integrate education into the everyday lives of children so they could understand the advantages of being educated an also the countless disadvantages of not being educated.The darkness in the cave to me symbolizes negativity,ignorance,cause of social problems,sadness,all factors present in ones live who choose not to be educated who turn their back on education instead of trying to relate to the developmental benefits of being educated.Teaching is a profession that requires a passion for education children ,and educator who feels satisfied when he/she see their students progress and not just when they receive their pay cheque.Students need to know that being educated helps you to live a more comfortable and more productive life so I agree with Carol with her statement "t is a ladder that can be used to climb out of poverty, exclusion, ignorance, oppression and injustices"
Nigel, I do agree with you that teacher should get students interested in getting educated especially since the darkness of the cave symbolizes negativity and ignorance caused by social problem as you said. It’s just that since the teachers have seen the light and returned to the cave to educate the others it would prove futile if they themselves don’t want to accept this new way of thinking. I agree with teacher’s responsibilities but just wanted to add that the learner must be actively involved also.
In the classroom they are student who simply rebel don't want to learn they trow away their pencil and materials as an excuse not to interact in the lesson ,take for instance I was teaching this boy "X" who was in standard II and didn't know how to read , when comprehension classes came he was miserable giving trouble not prepared ,he told me straight up "I don't want to learn this lesson i want to do some maths"In comprehension the child needed to read to answer the questions however he couldn't ,but was able to answer the questions when i read along with him and helped him pronounced certain words i got him interested and involved by identifying the problem and arriving at a temporary solution because he would take a longer period of time to teach him to read taking into consideration he should have already known how to read upon promotion.(teaching this boy to read would have to be done after classes or during some breaks and lunches to prevent the slowing down of other students during the lessons)or he could be given special activity sheets to bring him up to speed either way its the teachers job to create that avenue for the child to WANT to learn.They may not want to but we as teacher need to try different avenues to reach different children with different interest.
The main problem with the allegory is that buttressing it is Plato's philosophy of Forms, which purports the idea that this world (the cave) is just a shadow (a copy), and people can access ontological truth (the Forms as they really are) once they are free from the cave.
Do you think that Christian teachers and preachers can find any Christian adaptation of Plato's Allegory of the Cave to elucidate some great moral lesson, that reconciles with Christian doctrine? Care to discuss
I agree with Ms. Collins that education goes beyond the classrooms its doesn't ends there, it is a continually process that keeps on going when our students leave the classroom. As teachers we need to stop keep our students in the darkness of that cave and let them experience education beyond the classroom. Education has no limits or boundaries so students should be given the opportunity to explore for themselves and experience the world.
I agree with Therly that education has no limits and boundaries. Therefore I believe that the traditional way of teaching is obsolete. As we view the cave the prisoners saw things at face value because that was the only viewing point; however as they were released it was observed that the book was a perception and not reality. I believe that as educators we must teach our students to be self regulated learners so as not to see things at face value but in different light. This activity has led me to believe that oftentimes we teach in isolation and may confuse our students through that medium. Today as we broaden our students mind give them the opportunity to discover so that they can come out of the cave.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the relationship between Plato's Allegory of the Cave and education?
ReplyDeleteThe relationship between Plato’s allegory of the cave and education is that the cave is a representation of our education and our truth. It is all we know thus we accept it readily without questioning its credibility. Our people remain stagnant because they don’t know any better. However as we empower ourselves and become educated we start to question these theories that we were once told to believe. This is the point in Plato’s Allegory that we have broken from our chains and coming out of the cave for the first time. We are blinded by the sudden burst of light and knew knowledge. We want to share this new discovery with our friends in the cave but their lack of educations makes it understandable for them. They can’t comprehend and don’t believe us because they don’t know any better. It’s like when the politician goes around campaigning to the grass roots people and selling them these ideas. They believe it completely because they don’t know any better and they will always accept whatever the politicians tell them. Those who are educated (the ones who have seen the light outside of the cave) however know better and even though they try to put reason and logic to the others they just don’t seem to get it. According to Buzzle.com, “ The way we perceive things around us and the way we lead our lives, is actually not the "truth". We human beings are leading ignorant, incomplete lives, following the paths, rules, norms, ethics, set by the previous generations, without questioning them. Plato brings up this plight of humans by depicting them as prisoners in a cave. These prisoners are sitting facing a wall, tied in chains, with a fire between them and the wall, which makes shadows on the wall. The prisoners mistakenly think that these shadows on the walls are the "reality", cause that is what the fellow prisoners or the ones before them conveys” (par 3).
Until we can start to reason and think for ourselves rather that accepting what we are told we will remain prisoners of the cave.
Reference
Buzzle.com (2011). Allegory of the cave. Summary. Retried form http://www.buzzle.com/articles/allegory-of-the-cave-summary.html
“The Allegory of the Cave” symbolically describes our current state of illiteracy and suggests that education is our solution. Illiteracy is powerfully linked to low social status, poverty and poor health. Lack of literacy skills traps us into the cycle of poverty with limited options for economic improvement, sentencing our children to chronic poverty and limited education and training opportunities. The allegory of the cave reminds me of growing up in the teacher centered classrooms. In such classrooms we were expected to accept whatever the teacher says as word, without question. As such reality at the time was what we were taught through words and action. Our society views education as formal training that one receives in schools however education is more than just formal training. Education is gained throughout our lifetime by means of curiosity, insight, individual study, discourse and observation. The education that Plato spoke about was not the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student but rather education that guides student's minds toward what is real and important and allowing them to grasp it for themselves. He believes that education is not a process of putting knowledge into empty minds, but of making people realize that which they already know. Education is a means by which we can literally move out of the darkness and into the light of knowledge. Education allows us to think critically and question ideas in order to develop new knowledge and ways of thinking. In the allegory the prisoner emerges into the sunlight similarly education brings about a state of enlightenment. As we become educated society is then able to benefit from our attainment because educated individuals are considered fit to govern the rest of society. In Belize however political appointments tend to supersedes education.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Plato’s theory about the general terms of our language which are not “names” of the physical objects that we can see, on the top of page two. One example of the things that we turn a blind eye to is the crime and violence in our country that is presently affecting us all. We are like prisoners, and like Plato said we need to think and speak out.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the class handout retrieved from http://faculty.washington.edu/smcohen/320/cave.htm on February 21st, 2011. Plato is acknowledging that mankind does their automatic functions without any focus on their realm of forms. What we see we take as is, there is no exclamation given to the true nature of what is before us. Like the prisoners in the cave we are enslave and is ignorant to what the truth is. I agree with my colleague Andrea comment where she stated that the relationship between Plato Allegory of the Cave and Education is that the cave is a representation of our education and or truth. I would however go a bit further and say that Plato wants us to utilize our abilities and senses to gather information that will give us knowledge. This knowledge does not only come from formal education but from our socialization and our environment. The more stimulated one gets the more interest is expressed in wanting more, doing more and producing more. We are all responsible to break our chains and advance ourselves with education as a tool to fuel further learning.
ReplyDeleteWhen we speak, think, etc, without actually being aware it is not actually visualize. Institutionalize education is a reflection of education of life to a certain extent. The education provided in schools is very different from what they experience for themselves in the real world by doing that they get real life education. Most of the time our senses tells us lie and in order to differ from that we need to be directly expose to the world around us to get real education. Rather than students depend on what is thought in schools they should get to see and live life for themselves instead of living through someone else’s eyes.
ReplyDeleteWhen we really visualize something in our minds then it is really there, then we can make connections about what is real in life and what is not. Like what Socrates suggest if the prisoners would take the shadows to be real things and the echoes to be real sounds, not just reflections of reality, since they are all they had ever seen or heard. They would praise as clever whoever could best guess which shadow would come next, as someone who understood the nature of the world, and the whole of their society would depend on the shadows on the wall.
Sometimes we may confuse ourselves with things that we learnt in school, etc, to things that are made up and we think is true. When we can really visualize in our minds the realm of education then you are experiencing it.
The allegory of the cave in relation to education is that education is a vital possession. Having education can make a huge impact and difference in anyone’s life. Education however is not simply receiving knowledge but using them in life as one goes along. Learning never stops it is a long life skill and the more educated people the less chaotic and problematic life is. When children experience and can make connections form life to learning or from learning into life is when education is truly fulfilling. In life there will be some individuals who because of lack of education fail to understand certain circumstances and the reason why decisions might be made for the benefit of the whole hence why situations become problematic and there is confusion and frustration. Social wise in these harsh times education is the major form of income if individuals are not educated then there is that imbalance where some will do whatever it takes to get money without education an resort to theft, murder etc. The cave represents us; the light is the way through to achieve success, the light is getting an education and sharing that light with others to help the environment be a better a place through the power of education.
ReplyDeleteThe allegory of the cave tells us what education is about. In the cave, the citizens never see "reality" They only get to see the shadows on the wall that the Forms cast.Of course, they have never seen anything else, so they think the forms are reality. They are chained so they cannot look behind them or gain any insight from those around them who also suspect that the shadows are reality and make more noise than sense.If one of them can break free into the light of day, that person (the philosopher) may then be able to come back into the cave to enlighten the other citizens about what reality is.Of course, they are not going to take what he has to say all that well after all, he will be negating all they have ever held as true.
ReplyDeleteThe purpose of education is the same. Although there are many intermediate goals (facts to be learned, skills to be mastered), the ultimate goal of education is to move us out of the cave, out of what Frost calls, "[The] darkness as it seems to me/Not of woods only and the shade of trees" (Mending Wall) and into the light of knowledge. Education leads us to question facts, to seek new information, to question old assumptions, and to move closer to the "truth" than students and teachers were before.
Most of what Plato mention in the “Allegory of the Cave” can be evident in how we as a people see education and what we succumb to/believe. The men chain in the dark signifies ignorance and education is the light, and until we educate ourselves we will always be in the dark and will not be free from our chains. If we as humans do not educate ourselves we will continue looking at “shadows of reality”.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you find that once you are educated and try to teach those still in the dark, your efforts are met with resistance. Those in the dark know only what they believe to be true from the shadows of the items they are seeing, so they would resist against the ones who are educated and trying to show/tell them anything differently. It’s like a young child being taught a certain way of thinking and never learned through mental freedom to create their own beliefs and values.
On the other hand the ones who leave the darkness and experience the reality of the world do not take the necessary time to teach the ones who are in the dark. I believe that all the people in the dark needs are the proper guidance and support to be able to see the light and have some form of direction. All humans are born with the capabilities to learn and as teachers we need to keep this in mind in order to help the students in our care.
I agree with Roxanne’s comment that “knowledge does not only come from formal education” because education is a life-long process and can be gained through formal as well as informal means. Education broadens our horizon and gives us a better understanding of the world around us and how things work. It is the basis of a civilized structured society. It reduces social and economic inequality, allowing development to be equally shared. Advancements in all fields, including science and technology are made possible through education. It places us in a better position to contribute more positively to society and even towards the planet, as we understand the implications of our choices and actions.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of education is emphasized through the words of US President Barack Obama, when he said, “In an economy where knowledge is the most valuable commodity a person and a country have to offer, the best jobs will go to the best educated - whether they live in the United States or India or China”. The president makes a very important observation, pertaining to the need of education in holding a good job and flourishing in a successful career.
Deborah stated that “sometimes you find that once you are educated and try to teach those still in the dark, your efforts are met with resistance” as with the escaped prisoners that found enlightenment and returned to the cave trying to persuade its inhabitants that there is another, better, more real world than the one in which they have so long been content to dwell. Similarly, teachers at times are hindered by what may seem as a lack of interest in the classroom however our job as teacher is to persuade our students that education opens doors and give us unimagined opportunities. Education is seen as a means to alleviate poverty and foster social change. It is a ladder that can be used to climb out of poverty, exclusion, ignorance, oppression and injustices. In ‘The Allegory of the Cave’ education is seen as our journey out of the cave and as teachers we are tasked with the responsibility of helping our students understand the importance of education and provide the means to foster that journey.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI got the impression that those in the cave are people who lack or refuse to be educated.It is our job as educators to help students get out of the cave they may put up a resistance because they lack the knowledge of the benefits of being educated, It is our job as teachers to get students interested in getting educated, Education is the building blocks for our nations future, teachers need to integrate education into the everyday lives of children so they could understand the advantages of being educated an also the countless disadvantages of not being educated.The darkness in the cave to me symbolizes negativity,ignorance,cause of social problems,sadness,all factors present in ones live who choose not to be educated who turn their back on education instead of trying to relate to the developmental benefits of being educated.Teaching is a profession that requires a passion for education children ,and educator who feels satisfied when he/she see their students progress and not just when they receive their pay cheque.Students need to know that being educated helps you to live a more comfortable and more productive life so I agree with Carol with her statement "t is a ladder that can be used to climb out of poverty, exclusion, ignorance, oppression and injustices"
ReplyDeleteNigel, I do agree with you that teacher should get students interested in getting educated especially since the darkness of the cave symbolizes negativity and ignorance caused by social problem as you said. It’s just that since the teachers have seen the light and returned to the cave to educate the others it would prove futile if they themselves don’t want to accept this new way of thinking. I agree with teacher’s responsibilities but just wanted to add that the learner must be actively involved also.
ReplyDeleteIn the classroom they are student who simply rebel don't want to learn they trow away their pencil and materials as an excuse not to interact in the lesson ,take for instance I was teaching this boy "X" who was in standard II and didn't know how to read , when comprehension classes came he was miserable giving trouble not prepared ,he told me straight up "I don't want to learn this lesson i want to do some maths"In comprehension the child needed to read to answer the questions however he couldn't ,but was able to answer the questions when i read along with him and helped him pronounced certain words i got him interested and involved by identifying the problem and arriving at a temporary solution because he would take a longer period of time to teach him to read taking into consideration he should have already known how to read upon promotion.(teaching this boy to read would have to be done after classes or during some breaks and lunches to prevent the slowing down of other students during the lessons)or he could be given special activity sheets to bring him up to speed either way its the teachers job to create that avenue for the child to WANT to learn.They may not want to but we as teacher need to try different avenues to reach different children with different interest.
ReplyDeleteThe main problem with the allegory is that buttressing it is Plato's philosophy of Forms, which purports the idea that this world (the cave) is just a shadow (a copy), and people can access ontological truth (the Forms as they really are) once they are free from the cave.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that Christian teachers and preachers can find any Christian adaptation of Plato's Allegory of the Cave to elucidate some great moral lesson, that reconciles with Christian doctrine? Care to discuss
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ms. Collins that education goes beyond the classrooms its doesn't ends there, it is a continually process that keeps on going when our students leave the classroom. As teachers we need to stop keep our students in the darkness of that cave and let them experience education beyond the classroom. Education has no limits or boundaries so students should be given the opportunity to explore for themselves and experience the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Therly that education has no limits and boundaries. Therefore I believe that the traditional way of teaching is obsolete. As we view the cave the prisoners saw things at face value because that was the only viewing point; however as they were released it was observed that the book was a perception and not reality. I believe that as educators we must teach our students to be self regulated learners so as not to see things at face value but in different light. This activity has led me to believe that oftentimes we teach in isolation and may confuse our students through that medium. Today as we broaden our students mind give them the opportunity to discover so that they can come out of the cave.
ReplyDelete