The Philosopher's Shirt

Philosophical Dictionary

  • Illustrated cross-section of Plato's cave allegory, showing chained prisoners facing shadow puppets of a vase, horse, and bird cast by firelight, with a figure escaping toward the cave entrance above.

    Plato's Cave Allegory: One Prisoner Is Dragged Out. Then He Goes Back.

    By Markus Uehleke

    Plato's Cave usually stops at 'enlightenment.' The real ending, from Republic Book VII, has a prisoner going blind twice and one exact line about killing anyone who tries to free the others. Here's what the Cave actually says about truth, education, and who gets punished for ending an illusion.
  • Did democracy kill Socrates?

    Did democracy kill Socrates?

    By Markus Uehleke

    The Greek philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death by a court of law. This was a democratic process, but can we draw any conclusion from this about this form of justice?