The Journey from Cavemen to Philosopher King: A Glimpse into Contemporary Platonism

To exist in a world where the only illumination emanates from an artificial source and the only image one perceives to be true is a mere reflection of someone else’s creation, forms the basis of Plato’s allegory of the cave. The home of this allegory can be found in his celebrated work, “The Republic” which forms the historical basis for this jurisprudential thought referred to as Platonism. A world inherently inhabited and celebrated by cavemen was eclipsed by the presence of a man who challenged their reality of truth with a version unbeknownst and unexplored by them. The philosopher king in Plato’s allegory was once another caveman, until his search for truth led him to uncover an alternate way of enjoying reality. The philosophical compass of this paper finds its roots in diverse examples relevant in the present context that draws resemblance from the allegory. These example are analysed in the light of socio-political, legal and philosophical grounds which play an important role in determining whether a plea of change will be accepted or not. The characteristics of a caveman and a philosopher king go beyond the textbook understanding and merge with the real world to present an inalienable relation between the past and the present. This paper attempts to unravel the different ways in which the society has accepted, rejected or progressed towards ideals, which were slated as unimaginable in the first place. Comparing these truths with Plato’s perception of an ideal state and how the judicial system can serve to be a lighthouse for future philosopher kings is explored. Thus, a contrast between the formation and dissolution of a philosopher king with a newly born and extinguished law is pursued in this paper.