Question 1

Do you think it is possible to achieve the ideal kind of knowledge that Plato describes? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

It is certainly possible to attain the type of knowledge which, when first heard is completely antithetical to all that one has known, and yet come to accept it. Various discoveries in physics have been like this, where everyone except the discoverer are disbelievers and simply feel that the discoverer is warped or misguided--the wave-particle duality, the Copernican conception of the universe. This seems to be very much like the knowledge Plato is idealizing. On the other hand, Plato is also talking about knowledge of the Forms, knowledge that comes by abstracting away from the senses and recollecting Ideas that are not of this world.

Question 2

Krishnamurti says that appreciating life requires us to be in constant revolt. Why does he think this? (List several reasons.) Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

thinks that we should be in constant revolt because the imitative and conformity based established social order implies an atmosphere for fear - fear of difference, fear of loss of power or position, fear of the truth. To live in freedom means a lack of this fear. So to revolt against the "rotten social order" would tend to produce more discovery of truth, and so more freedom. Some might agree. If education is currently a means to create an order-an order which keeps certain people in power at the expense of the freedom and discovery of truth of all-then we ought to bring an end to that order, by questioning and by learning in the real sense of learning. All of this is in the service of human love and better human relationships. Some might disagree: constant revolt would produce chaos and with chaos there would be even more fear.

Question 3

This passage is an allegory because things within it are metaphors for other things. What interpretation(s) can you give to the allegory of the cave? How would you justify your interpretation(s)?

Accepted Answer

The allegory of the cave, as presented by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his work "The Republic," can be interpreted in several ways. One interpretation is that the cave represents the world of appearances and the shadows on the wall represent the illusions and false beliefs that people hold about reality. The prisoners in the cave are those who are ignorant of the true nature of reality and are content to live in a world of illusions. The journey out of the cave and into the sunlight represents the philosopher's journey to knowledge and understanding of the true forms or essences of things.

Another interpretation is that the cave represents the human condition of ignorance and the journey out of the cave represents the process of enlightenment and self-discovery. The prisoners in the cave are those who are trapped by their own limited perspectives and beliefs, while the philosopher who escapes the cave represents the individual who seeks to transcend their limitations and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

These interpretations can be justified by examining the context in which Plato presents the allegory and considering the broader themes of his philosophy. Plato was concerned with the nature of reality, the limitations of human perception, and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. The allegory of the cave serves as a powerful metaphor for these philosophical ideas and can be interpreted in light of these themes.

In conclusion, the allegory of the cave can be interpreted in various ways, but all interpretations are grounded in the broader philosophical themes of Plato's work. Whether as a representation of the illusions of the world of appearances or as a metaphor for the journey to enlightenment, the allegory of the cave offers valuable insights into the nature of reality and the human condition.

Question 4

What does Plato say would be the probable first reaction of someone freed from the cave and shown the light?
A) Joy
B) Pain and confusion
C) Understanding
D) Knowledge

Accepted Answer

Plato suggests that the initial reaction of someone who has been freed from the cave and exposed to the light for the first time would be pain and confusion. This is because their eyes would not be accustomed to the brightness of the light, and the process of adjusting to this new reality would be difficult and disorienting.

Question 5

The person who leaves the cave has a transformation that changes that person's relationships with other people. What other examples can you think of where an educational experience changes a person's relationships with others?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The person who leaves the cave has...

Question 6

Krishnamurti says that life is complex and broad, but we usually only learn about one small corner of it.

Accepted Answer

Krishnamurti often emphasized the complexity and vastness of life, suggesting that individuals tend to focus on a narrow aspect of it due to conditioning, societal norms, and personal limitations, thus missing the broader understanding and experience of life in its entirety.

Question 7

Education is putting knowledge into those who lack it.

Accepted Answer

Education is not just about putting knowledge into those who lack it; it's a process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits.

Question 8

How would Krishnamurti respond to Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" (Reading 1)? Do you think he would agree with Plato? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How would Krishnamurti respond to Plato's "Allegory...

Question 9

According to Krishnamurti, we must create an atmosphere of __________.
A) Open-mindedness
B) Political liberalism
C) Freedom
D) Segregation

Accepted Answer

Krishnamurti emphasized the importance of freedom in creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and understanding, arguing that it allows for exploration and insight without the constraints of prejudice or fear.

Question 10

In the allegory of the cave the __________ represents the visible world.
A) The forms
B) The form of the good
C) The prison dwelling
D) The sun

Accepted Answer

In Plato's allegory of the cave, the prison dwelling, where the prisoners are chained and can only see shadows projected on a wall, represents the visible world or the world of appearances.

Question 11

Foucault argues that we cannot exercise power except through the production of truth.

Accepted Answer

Foucault's concept of power is closely linked to knowledge and truth. He argues that power relations are exercised through discourses that create and define truth, suggesting that power and knowledge are intertwined, and that power is exercised by shaping what is considered true.

Question 12

Are there any points on which you agree with Krishnamurti? If not, why not? If so, do you think that he would challenge you to make changes in your life? What are they? Would you make them?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are there any points on which you...

Question 13

Krishnamurti thinks that we should __________.
A) Accept and maintain the status quo
B) Search for our own answers to questions
C) Align ourselves with power
D) Accept the inherent nihilism of humanity

Accepted Answer

Krishnamurti advocates for individual inquiry and self-awareness, encouraging people to explore and find their own answers to life's questions rather than conforming to established norms or ideologies.

Question 14

Do you think that Krishnamurti is right to characterize this would as mad and full of fear? What do you think he has in mind? Do you agree or disagree with his assessment? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you think that Krishnamurti is right...

Question 15

Krishnamurti equates intelligence with the capacity to think freely, without fear.

Accepted Answer

Krishnamurti believed that true intelligence arises when the mind is free from fear and the constraints of tradition, allowing for the capacity to think freely and perceive things directly without prejudice.

Question 16

Which of the following does Plato say is the cause of all that is correct and beautiful?
A) The forms
B) The form of the good
C) The philosopher
D) The sun

Accepted Answer

Plato posits that the Form of the Good is the ultimate cause of all that is correct and beautiful, serving as the highest form in his theory of forms and providing the intelligibility of all other forms, thus making knowledge and understanding possible.

Question 17

Foucault argues that truth is an objective notion, like a unit of measure in the metric system.

Accepted Answer

Foucault argues that truth is constructed through discourses and power relations rather than being an objective, unchanging notion.

Question 18

One purpose of education for Krishnamurti is to __________.
A) Become a productive, tax-paying citizen
B) Eliminate fear
C) Maintain power
D) Attain wealth

Accepted Answer

Krishnamurti believed that one of the purposes of education is to eliminate fear, which he saw as a barrier to understanding oneself and the world. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and understanding the psychological factors that influence our thoughts and actions, rather than focusing solely on material success or societal roles.

Question 19

Krishnamurti talks about creating an atmosphere without fear. Describe in concrete detail what a typical day would be like for someone who lived in that atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Krishnamurti talks about creating an atmosphere without...

Question 20

According to Plato, the virtue of reason is always beneficial.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Plato, the virtue of reason...

Quiz 1: Learning