Platos Theory Of Education Essay - 1278 Words

Humanity is in a constant process to better themselves, as a result of their self-transcending nature. The purpose of this process is to achieve an immortal soul. However, an individual cannot obtain this without first being educated in the system developed by Plato and after surpassing his methods, the individual will remain in a constant state of pursuing the classical virtues. To fully analyze Platos Theory of Education, an understanding of his Allegory of the Cave is necessary. This parable begins with several prisoners chained by their legs and necks to restrict their movement. They cannot converse with one another; they can only see the dark wall of the back of the cave in front of them. Behind them is a fire and with its light,†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"At any rate, we are satisfied, as before, to have four divisions; two for intellect and two for opinion, and to call the first division science, the second understanding, the third belief, and the fourth perception o f shadows† (VII). Each level consists of different concepts, and approaches reason and analysis in extremely different manners. According to Socrates, through using this process, it became possible to reach a perfection of which all knowledge strives to achieve. This perfection is also referred to as the perception of the absolute good (VII). Achieving this knowledge is, to Plato, precisely what humanity was constantly striving for. However, this pursuit cannot end without first mastering all four divisions of Platos Theory of Education. Primarily, the first two divisions of the Metaphor of the Divided Line consist with the Visible World, and additionally, are opinion based. As shown in the diagram, the first levels mode of thought is Imagining and was referred to by Socrates as the perception of shadows (VII). Those engaged in this level of philosophical thought draw their conclusions wholly on the evidence derived from Images. These Images are merely shadows, reflections of physical objects. Moreover, they can easily be called illusions asShow MoreRelatedPlatos The Republic1054 Words   |  4 Pages In Plato’s The Republic, the theory of appointing a ruling class is a major aspect in his political theory of a just state. As communicated through Socrates, Plato believed in the appointment of only a few citizens of the just city that possess a soul that craves all truth, knowledge, wisdom, and through proper education are competent enough to rule the just state and to decide on legislative policies. 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In this paper, I will propose Plato’s reform for the American education system through analyzing his account of education, the nature and different kinds of education using the allegory of the cave, its correlation to kallipolis, the nature of the soul, and his metaphysical theory of forms. I shall argue that Plato would propose the American education systemRead MoreEssay on The Allegory of the Cave in Platos Republic901 Words   |  4 PagesThe Allegory of the Cave in Platos Republic This paper discussed The Allegory of The Cave in Platos Republic, and tries to unfold the messages Plato wishes to convey with regard to his conception of reality, knowledge and education. THE ALLEGORY OF THE CAVE Platos Allegory of the Cave is a story that conveys his theory of how we come to know, or how we attain true knowledge. It is also an introduction into his metaphysical and ethical system. In short, it is a symbolic explanation