Write a 3-page response paper with thesis and argument on Plato cave Essay

Write a 3-page response paper with thesis and argument on Plato cave of analogy - Essay Example In psychological theory, there is the concept of metacognition, which is loosely defined as â€Å"awareness of person, task and strategy variables and the ways these factors affect cognitive tasks† (Lorch, Lorch and Klusewitz 241). A person with metacognitive characteristics maintains tacit as well as explicit knowledge about the process of cognition, learning to think with a theoretical philosophy and adjust learning to meet with environmental conditions. Metacognition is the process of using a range of different thinking and processing strategies, consciously, to facilitate well-rounded learning and adjust cognitive processes accordingly. Plato’s analogy is very relevant to metacognition, as the individuals within the cave are being held prisoner, thus they maintain no metacognitive characteristics (no blended approach to discerning reality from perception). The prisoners in the cave understand only a single reality, which is largely distorted by the tangible construc ts of the cave, such as with the diminished lighting that conflicts with the reality outside of the cave. Metacognition as a modern example used in comparison to Plato’s analogy is relevant as Plato is attempting to illustrate that inherent learning desire within the prisoners is stifled by lack of experience and knowledge. Without some governing force to promote higher learning and explain the concept of tangible reality, people will not use metacognition and have no inherent desire to seek additional understanding. Plato attempts to use this analogy to illustrate that an inquisitive person, such as the prisoner led into reality, will have more foundations of genuine understanding to be equipped to be a more effective leader for others. Plato attempts to illustrate that those who are darkened or have their lives shadowed cannot effectively discern wisdom, but the unfortunate part of this phenomenon is that there is no