SIMULATED REALITY AND THE LIMITS OF PERCEPTION: A PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF PLATO AND DESCARTES

Abstract

This paper examines the interplay between knowledge, deception, and reality through three 
seminal philosophical frameworks: Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” Descartes’ “Dream 
Argument,” and the modern Simulation Hypothesis. Each perspective questions the nature of 
reality and our capacity to discern truth from illusion. Plato’s allegory illustrates the human 
condition as prisoners mistaking shadows for reality, emphasizing the transformative power of 
knowledge. Descartes’ skepticism introduces the idea of deceptive experiences, positing dreams 
as indistinguishable from waking life. Finally, the Simulation Hypothesis, a contemporary thought 
experiment, suggests that our reality could be a sophisticated simulation. By examining these 
paradigms, the paper highlights enduring concerns about epistemology and ontological 
uncertainty, linking ancient philosophical inquiries to modern technological implications. 
Ultimately, this study underscores the relevance of critical thinking in navigating the boundaries 
of knowledge and deception in the quest for reality.