Plato's Allegory of the Cave

The Allegory of the Cave, from Plato's Republic, is the first systematic discussion in Western thought of a fundamental distinction in philosophy, that between appearance and reality.  The three-session course will present a basic overview of the Republic, a reading of the Allegory, questions about and extrapolations from the Allegory, and an overview of how the Allegory has resonated down through history, from the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus to contemporary films such as "The Matrix" and "The Truman Show."  We will read the "Allegory" in class, and no other reading or preparation will be required; You will learn a good deal about philosophy in a short period of time!