Examining Views Of Philosophy The Allegory Of The Cave,...

EXAMINING VIEWS OF PHILOSOPHY A FELLOW STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE Abstract This essay examines three brief works that introduce core concepts of philosophy. Comparisons are drawn between Plato’s The Allegory of the Cave, The Apology of Socrates and Voltaire’s The Story of the good Brahmin. Warnings about adopting a philosophically focused approach to life are extracted, as are the incentives. A central pursuit of truth above all is established to be my own prime goal, which ties closely to these two philosophers own. Philosophy has no concrete definition, and no set bounds. The realms and reasons for study vary, as do the outcomes and methods, but the underlying goals is the same throughout all disciplines; to discover truth and knowledge. Philosophy is a very personal thing, however there are common themes to be found in most appraisals of it. Both Socrates and Voltaire offer a set of warnings and incentives in this weeks readings, but their focus varies. In the allegory of the cave, Socrates describes the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. His trials dialogue, captured in Plato’s â€Å"The Apology of Socrates†, establish his valuation of philosophy contrasted against freedom, security, and ultimately life as well. Voltaire’s â€Å"The Story of the Good Brahmin† examines the turmoil that is nearly guaranteed for those who navigate life by philosophies road map, and the paradox that it leads all roads lead back to the journeys origin. Although all