University of Nairobi Plato Parable of The Cave Metaphor Operating Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

1) Consider the metaphor operating in Plato’s Parable of the Cave. Are we living like we have blinders on, perceiving only a distorted reality? If so, how can we become enlightened? Again, give examples to illustrate how/why this is the case and what someone did about it. As such, also propose some public/historical figure to fit the role of the enlightened martyr suggested at the end of the video.

2) Pick one of these three celebrated maxims and take a position on it. Explain what you think the expression means and put it into practice, giving examples from your own life, lives of friends or acquaintances, or even a public figure if you prefer. Don’t discuss anything that’s too personal or uncomfortable. The intent is to express your understanding of the idea, as you see it, and demonstrate how it might work in real life.

• Protagoras: “Man is the measure of all things.”
• Heraclitus the Obscure: “It is not possible to step in the same river twice.”
• Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

3) Alternatively, formulate your own syllogism, explain why it’s logically consistent (which is different to it being necessarily true, remember), and defend your conclusion. A simple syllogism: dogs are carnivores (meat-eaters); Fido is a dog; therefore, Fido eats meat. Try for something more profound, obviously — again, giving personal or public examples to illustrate and support your premises and conclusion. As a response to someone else’s syllogism, comment on why it is or isn’t consistent and express opinions about the conclusion(s) drawn from it.