The Allegory of the Cave explains the utility of philosophy in our society.

It portrays
human behavior that even today is observable within ourselves. In this allegory, we can examine
how belief manifests in the human mind and how education can affect it.

Plato was a philosopher who often stressed the importance of philosophy. The caveman
who managed to escape and all who are part of the outside world represents the philosophers.
The cavemen, still in the dark, represent people unenlightened on the concepts of Philosophy.
Had the man not taken pity on his fellow cavemen and went back to enlighten them, the
thought of the outside world existing might not even arise. Similarly, if philosophers did not
exist nor illuminate the minds of people, society would have settled for the mere shadows of
the truth. People would have lived the world as they know it, without questioning the rightness
and authenticity of their beliefs and practices.

The shadows of the objects illustrate Plato’s Theory of Forms. In his theory, Plato asserts
that there is an ideal form of everything around us. This does not mean creating a fantasized
version in our head, but rather a version that is perfect and true to itself. However, no such
object can be completely perfect, which is why these “forms” exist to serve as a guide. A guide
we can refer to in order to be closer to the truest version of itself. The shadows the cavemen
see represent life as we deem it to be, meaning that the visible world is simply a projection of
what it actually is. Philosophy then becomes our guide into unlocking the truths and reasons
behind our world and its existence.

The Allegory of the Cave does not only provide valuable insights for those foreign to
philosophy but is just as relevant to philosophers who wish to share their knowledge. Though
the intentions of the man in the allegory are good, the error lies in his method. He failed to
explain the existence of the outside world within the context of the cavemen. This is one of the
greatest obstacles philosophers experience. We cannot place blame on the cavemen for acting
defensive and sarcastic. If someone had told you that the world as you see it is not accurate to
what it is, you might have also attacked the lecturer. Thus, it is a reflex that should be expected.
Just like the cavemen, we all started out in life in darkness. Therefore, we must never shame
one for their own ignorance.

We can compare this situation to the Tale of the Boiling Frog. If you place a frog in
boiling hot water, it would immediately jump out. Yet if you place it in lukewarm water that is
gradually heated, it would stay put until it is cooked to death. Unlike the man who escaped, the
cavemen were not given the time to adjust and process the thought properly. In order to
change perspective, one must be accustomed to the notion. This concept is not confined within
the context of philosophy but in educating people in all aspects of life. In doing so, you must
consider the background of the learner and explain the concepts in a manner they would
understand. We must have empathy, commitment, and most of all, patience. You can never
force your ideas onto a person but rather allow the ideas to occur to them naturally as you
teach them.
 As stated earlier, this is a concept also relevant to areas outside of philosophy. The
science community constantly faces skepticism and backlash, especially with the amount of
information exchanged in the present moment. Issues like climate change are not paid enough
attention despite clear evidence and statistics. As a STEM student, the Allegory of the Cave
taught me why I need philosophy in my life and why it should be universally taught. It inspires
me to go beyond the textbook definition of things and to always have a sense of curiosity in my
mind. How philosophy is essential in improving us as individuals and our society in general. It
also taught me how I, an educated student, can relay the knowledge I possess in an approach
that is intelligible for others and not just for myself.