Philosophy as a form of soul therapy

The ancient Greeks were adamant that philosophy was not simply a complex theoretical exercise. They believed it was a profoundly practical skill that should be acquired and honed by everyone, in order to assist us in leading fulfilling lives and facing death with grace. Few individuals advocated for this idea more passionately than Plato, who staunchly defended philosophy as a form of soul therapy.

One of the most compelling narratives he presented to illustrate the value of philosophy was what is now known as "The Allegory of the Cave". This allegory, widely regarded as one of the most renowned in philosophy, aimed to demonstrate the impact of education (or lack thereof) on our environment. At the beginning of Book 7 of his renowned work, "The Republic", Plato describes a group of individuals who are confined within a cave. Having spent their entire lives there, they are oblivious to the outside world. The cave lacks natural light, with damp and dark walls. The only illumination within comes from a fire, casting shadows of objects onto the wall. The inhabitants of the cave become captivated by these flickering reflections of animals, plants, and people.

Furthermore, individuals in this scenario assume the authenticity of these shadows and the notion that devoting significant attention to them will lead to comprehension and success in life. They fail to recognize that they are merely observing illusions. They engage in enthusiastic conversations about vague topics and take pride in their perceived wisdom and sophistication. Unexpectedly, one day, someone accidentally discovers an escape route from the cave, leading to the open air.

Initially, the overwhelming brilliance of the sunlight bewilders the individual, providing proper illumination for the first time. Gradually, their eyes adjust, allowing them to perceive the true forms of objects that were previously only seen as shadows. They witness the genuine beauty of flowers, the vibrant colours of birds, and the intricate details of tree bark. They marvel at the stars and comprehend the vastness and awe-inspiring nature of the universe.

As Plato solemnly describes, out of compassion, this newly enlightened individual decides to return to the dimly lit cave in order to assist their companions who remain trapped in confusion and misinterpretation. However, due to their familiarity with the bright upper world, they struggle to see clearly in the underground darkness. They navigate the damp and slippery corridors with difficulty, becoming disoriented. Consequently, the cave dwellers view them as unimpressive. When the enlightened individual attempts to explain the true nature of the sun or the characteristics of a genuine tree, the cave dwellers respond with sarcasm, followed by anger, and eventually conspire to kill them.

The cave narrative serves as an allegory for individuals who have attained enlightenment. The inhabitants of the cave symbolize ordinary people before the introduction of philosophy. The sun represents the illumination of reason. When enlightened individuals attempt to share their knowledge with those who have not dedicated themselves to deep thinking, they often encounter alienation, much like all truth-tellers experience.

According to Plato, we spend a significant portion of our lives in the shadow of ignorance. Many of the things we become enthralled by, such as fame, finding the perfect partner, or securing a prestigious job, are considerably less substantial than we perceive. These desires are largely illusory constructs projected by our culture onto the walls of our vulnerable and flawed minds. However, due to societal insistence on their authenticity, we are deceived from an early age. This is not our individual fault, as no one actively chooses to remain in the cave. It is simply where we find ourselves starting our journey. If, like the character in Plato's tale, one was to boldly challenge the misconceptions of others, they would make no progress, cause great offence, and even put their own life at risk.

Plato, having witnessed Athens execute his friend, Socrates, understands the potential consequences for those who claim to possess knowledge of the sun. Plato proposes a solution: a widespread and carefully regulated philosophical education, which follows the method of inquiry pioneered by Socrates and is commonly known as the "Socratic Method." This approach, Plato asserts, is a gentle process. One should not lecture, harangue, or force someone to read a specific book. Instead, it is more effective to begin with a general declaration of intellectual modesty, acknowledging that nobody knows everything. It is important to emphasize that wisdom starts with admitting ignorance. Admit that you don't have all the answers about what the government should do, the purpose of wars, or how to have successful relationships.

Next, encourage the other person to share their thoughts and together, gradually explore the answers. It is likely that the other person will come across as confident or even overly confident, claiming that the answers are simple and already known by everyone. In response, it is crucial to remain patient and gently guide the conversation back on track if it veers off-topic. This method of communication is based on the belief that with the right encouragement, people can eventually figure things out for themselves and identify errors in their own reasoning. By quietly drawing their attention to challenging points without assigning blame or getting annoyed, you can help them overcome their initial lack of knowledge.

It's important to remember that belittling someone will not teach them anything, even if they appear foolish at first. We have all started from a place of ignorance, but Plato's profound insight reminds us that we don't have to remain there. The path to enlightenment is simply called philosophy. It is through philosophy that we can follow the sun's light and gain a clearer understanding of the true nature of things.