Plato: The Republic•Grade 7•dialectic Stage
Return to the Cave
The Text
What You'll Learn
1
Comprehension
Describes the philosopher's return: "while his sight was still weak...would he not be ridiculous?" - he cannot see in the dark
2
Cause & Consequence
Explains why the philosopher seems ridiculous: prisoners say "up he went and down he came without his eyes" - judged by cave-standards
3
Meaning
Takes a position on the objection: "is not this unjust?...ought we to give them a worse life, when they might have a better?"
4
Defense
Explains why the counterargument has merit
How It Works
Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.
- 1.Read the text carefully
- 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
Start This Lesson
Free to try. No credit card required.