In Plato’s writing, and in our discussion, we found that the myth of the metals was a societal tool

used to define classes in a way that would enforce the most productive society. Plato tries to
invoke a feeling that every person has their role in society and that it is important that a job or
role is fit for a person’s strengths and aptitudes, as well as what makes them feel fulfilled and
important. This, the philosophers decided, forms a general sense of justice as people perform
their duties for the good of all, in stride with the good of the city and world. This was especially
so for the gold souled guardians. In relation to the Senate, analogies can be driven to a certain
degree between these guardians, however we felt that the reform necessary to create these
pure, raised from birth rulers was at best, unrealistic, and at worst, unethical. We felt that should
complete reform occur in which the Senate, like the Guardians, could not own or pass property
and power, there may be a more incorruptible sense of good in politicians who represent us.
This, however, is an unrealistic violation of how society currently views human rights in regards
to children and their free will.

The way discussion takes place in Plato‘d writing to form knowledge into an iterative process
reminded me of the many caves stages of knowledge discussion. Through talking with others,
and gaining both their viewpoints, and objections to ours, we are able to construct a new view
on reality that is closer to the truth than the perceptions one can form on their own. In this
sense, a person’s journey through knowledge is a set of caves by which we escape with the
added knowledge of others when we converse with them.