Directions: Read the passage and answer the question:
In Plato's famous allegory of the cave, he presents a scenario in which prisoners have been chained inside a cave since birth. They are facing the wall of the cave, unable to turn their heads to see what is behind them. Behind the prisoners is a fire, and between the fire and the prisoners, there is a raised walkway where various objects are placed, casting shadows on the cave wall. The prisoners, having never seen anything else, believe that the shadows on the wall are the only reality.
Question: What philosophical concept does Plato's allegory of the cave illustrate?
Solipsism
Idealism
Empiricism
Materialism
Plato's allegory of the cave illustrates the philosophical concept of idealism, which posits that reality is based on the mind and ideas rather than on physical objects. It highlights how our perceptions can be shaped by our beliefs and how we may mistake shadows for reality.