Week 1

In the Allegory of the Cave, Socrates suggests that, without philosophical education, we are all like the prisoners in the cave. What are your thoughts on this? How is philosophy supposed to be liberating? Do you think Socrates is right to be so pessimistic about life without philosophy?

I believe most of us can continue with life without questioning everything, but for me in particular it’s hard.  I have to agree with Socrates that while not challenging society we are doom to repeat mistakes over and over again. I personally think that it’s liberating to be able to challenge things in society and not be afraid. Michael Moore and Bill Maher, to me are great examples. They are certainly not scared to bring up topics that were scared to talk about. I also understand that this isn’t for everyone, no one wants to be judge or prosecuted or even assaulted for speaking their mind, but somehow most of times it goes in that direction, which it’s unfortunate, but it is part of being a prisoner in the cave. I think Socrates is right to be pessimistic; I certainly don’t want to leave my life without questioning why we do what we do.