Plato's Allegory of the Cave

Name: (First and Last)

1. What is Plato’s main opinion about life?

• It is like being chained in a cave watching shadows.
• It is like a journey down a road or across an ocean.
• It is like a window of opportunity in a game.
• It is an all too short-lived flicker of flame.

2. Which answer choice accurately characterizes the prisoner’s initial reaction to being freed?

• He is excited to be outside of the cave.
• He is disoriented until his eyes adjust.
• He is happy to see the sun.
• He is scared of the shadows.

3. According to the video, why was Socrates sentenced to death?

• People were afraid of the Athenian government.
• People were comfortable living in caves.
• He promoted rule by philosopher kings.
• He disrupted the social order.

4. What is the main problem presented in Plato’s allegory of the cave?

• It is impossible to know what is truly real.
• It is difficult to agree on linguistic terms.
• It is difficult to make realistic shadows.
• It is impossible to escape caves.