Your definition of wisdom and how is that can be connected to Allegory Essay

Your definition of wisdom and how is that can be connected to Allegory the cave by macvalley and where do you see the wisdom in that story - Essay Example To me, wisdom is a different concept, distinct from the mere process of merely acquiring knowledge. Thus, I see wisdom as understanding one’s self and the value of freedom as well as the ability to apply theories into practice through one’s virtues. The Allegory of the Cave, which is part of Plato’s classic work, The Republic, offers a wise and profound illustration of the concept of wisdom through the thoughts of Aristotle, the author’s teacher and mentor. Plato’s wisdom becomes highlighted throughout the story but there are occasions where is gets accentuated by the way he presents his philosophy. One of the most significant indicators in this context is Aristotle’s reference to the significance of the soul over the body. He perceives the journey upwards from the cave as the â€Å"ascend of the soul into the intellectual world† and not as a physical escape from bondage (P.3 S/1). Thus, Plato intends to connote the idea that the soul is the essence that can liberate humans and, on the other hand, the body focuses on superficial matters such as trivial comforts. Postulation of such a profound idea in the story is an example of Plato’s wisdom. Aristotle’s contention is that the prisoners acquiesce themselves to confinement in the cave on the presumption that it is a safe and comfortable place because they lack virtues, due to which they do not value their freedom. Thus, if a person attempts to escape from the cave and is blinded by sunlight they will ridicule him and say that it is â€Å"better not to think of ascending† and, thus, due to their lack of wisdom, the prisoner community will put to death the one who attempts to differ (Plato p 517). By this allusion, Plato attempts to emphasize that generally people lack the faculty of wisdom and thus fail to recognize their honor and virtues. For them, the minor comforts in life, in this case, a sense of security that the prisoners feel inside the cave, are more important than the dignity