Should stem cell transplants be done Essay Example for Free

Should stem cell transplants be done Essay Stem cell transplants are often one of the last choices a patient has to survive cancer. All have already gone through chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both and this is the next step in their treatment. Patients have two choices in transplants autologous or allogeneic. In an autologous transplant stem cells are collected from the patient and then given back to them at a later date after the body has been properly prepared for transplantation. In an allogeneic transplant stem cells are collected from a donor, related or unrelated to the patient, then transplanted into the patient. Stem cells can be collected in two different ways. One way is via bone marrow and the other is via peripheral blood. The donor’s or patient’s bone marrow is collected from the pelvis, femur or sternum, though the pelvis is the most common, and then infused into the patient via a central line. In a peripheral blood stem cell collection the donor or the patient has their stem cells collected via a central line in a process called apheresis. This can take multiple collections to ensure enough stem cells for transplantation. Both procedures need to be meticulously planned and all support medications given to ensure successful collection. There are many cancers that stem cell transplants are commonly used for. Multiple myeloma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and chronic myelogenous leukemia are more commonly treated with transplantation. Each of these cancers has a different success rate, some have a higher success rates than with chemotherapy alone. Proper preparation is important for stem cell transplants. All patients undergo chemotherapy prior to transplantation. This is used to clear out the bone marrow of cells to ensure a successful transplant. Also most patients have already undergone chemotherapy in hopes of curing their cancer without having to have a stem cell transplant. Chemotherapy is not the only medication used to aid in transplants. Patients generally receive G-CSF injections to help promote cell production prior to harvest and to aid in engraftment. Transplantation is not without risks, patients can experience fatigue, infections, lowered red blood cells and platelets or even graft versus host disease. These can all be treated though with good supportive care by the physicians and other support staff. Research shows that stem cell transplants should be done in certain cases because it can allow a greater quality of life by ridding the body of cancer and promoting healthy cell growth and allowing a patient to have other options of therapies to overcome cancer. Multiple myeloma is one of the cancers that can have successful outcomes by a stem cell transplant. Though research shows this is not a true curative treatment for patients, it can give them a chance at a longer life. Both autologous and allogeneic transplants can be done for multiple myeloma though allogeneic transplants are more successful. Bruno et al, (2007) attributes this to the inability of the pre-transplant chemotherapy to eradicate all myeloma cells. Also allografting using stem cells from a HLA-identical sibling has higher success rates than transplants using non HLA-identical siblings. Another cancer that has successful outcomes after transplantation is acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Kiehl et al, (2004) shows that up to 46% of patients who receive an allogeneic transplant have successful disease free survival. Higher risk patients and patients who are in their second complete remission should undergo a stem cell transplant for a greater chance at long term survival. Those who are in their third complete remission, or have had induction failure, have a lower chance at a successful transplant with disease free survival. As stated by Kiehl et al, (2004) these patients only have a 5-15% chance of long term survival despite transplantation. The allogeneic donor can either be related or unrelated, though the donor of choice is a matched sibling. This is not always possible so transplantation should go ahead with and unrelated donor. Hodgkin’s disease can be successfully cured with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, though some patients will need transplantation at some point. Research by Sureda et al, (2001) shows that these patients can achieve long term survival after an autologous stem cell transplant. These patients have generally relapsed after initial chemotherapy or have refractory disease. Poorer outcomes after transplantation can be found in patients who have a short remission period or bulky disease at time of transplantation. This is not a deciding factor in not attempting a transplant though. Stem cell transplants continue to be the only curative option for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Most of these patients receive an allogeneic transplant though some undergo and autologous if no donors are available. Maziaz and Mauro, (2004) show that an allogeneic transplant from a sibling donor had a 60% disease free survival at 5 years. Autologous transplants have an 80% survival rate at 5 years though these patients are only in remission not truly disease free. Age, other health factors, and donor availability are factors to be considered prior to transplant. Maziarz and Mauro, (2003) bring up the question of non-transplant therapy by using Imatinib. This medication is still being researched regarding its efficacy and curative rates. This could be an option for patients who are too ill to undergo a transplant. Stem cell transplants are reliant on multiple medications prior to and after transplantation. Chemotherapies are used to ablate the bone marrow and ready it for production of new healthy cells. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor, G-CSF, is used pre and post transplantation. This medication assists in cell production for a successful harvest and then for successful engraftment. High dose chemotherapies such as Ifosfamide, Carboplatin and Etoposide are often used prior to transplantation. (Schlemmer et al, 2006, Straka et al, 20003) These medications ready the bone marrow for transplantation by destroying cells, both good and bad. Elderly patients and patients who cannot tolerate full dose therapy are often given doses at a decreased rate. This does not decrease the chances of a successful transplantation. (Straka et al, 2003) Without obliteration of all cells successful engraftment could not happen. The stem cells would be overrun by cancerous cells and the disease would continue. This is one reason why so much chemotherapy is given prior to transplantation. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor, G-CSF, is a very important part of stem cell transplantation. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce more leukocytes. G-CSF is used both pre and post transplantation. When used pre transplantation it helps produce more lymphocytes that are then harvested for transplantation. Post transplantation it is used to support engraftment and decrease neutropenia. Samaras et al, (2010) states the use of G-CSF can reduce the time to engraftment and potentially lower the risk for post-transplant infections. There are different side effects and complications that can arise from transplantation. As the body is prepared for transplantation, the body is stripped of its natural defenses against infection. With no white cells to help battle against opportunistic infections a patient can become extremely ill. They are also at risk for anemia and thrombocytopenia as the chemotherapy also destroys red blood cells and platelets. This is one reason patients are kept in the hospital for many days during high doses of chemotherapy. They are also at continued risk after transplantation until engraftment and cell recovery happens. Another major side effect that can happen is graft versus host disease (GVHD). This is where the donor cells perceive the recipient’s body as foreign and begin to attack the body. There are 4 grades of graft versus host disease and they can either be acute or chronic. Acute GVHD generally happens as the new cells are engrafting into the host body. Chronic GVHD can happen years later and is more severe in effects to the body. In the acute phases of GVHD the patient can be treated and cured by the use of short term immunosuppressant therapy and steroids. Long term immunosuppression can lessen the effects on the body in chronic GVHD. This in itself can lead to infections due to chronic immunosuppression. (Kiehl et al, 2004, Bruno et al, 2007) Most patients experience some level of fatigue while recovering from transplants. This can be exacerbated by nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, sleep issues and other side effects of transplantation. As patients experience more fatigue they become less inclined to do further activities. It is important to treat all symptoms effectively and encourage patients to be up and moving. This can shorten hospital stays and lessen the chances of infections. (Hacker et al, 2006) Stem cell transplants though complicated and risky are still one of the best choices for many patients. They can be the last chance at survival for patients as well as the best option for the possibility of longer life living with cancer. Relapse and failure of transplant are risks that patients choose to take. There is a complex series of chemotherapy and supportive medications for transplant, but without these, transplantation would not be possible at all. Though side effects can happen, the benefits far outweigh the risks associated with transplantation. Research shows that stem cell transplants should be done in certain cases because it can allow a greater quality of life by ridding the body of cancer and promoting healthy cell growth and allowing a patient to have other options of therapies to overcome cancer. As the years continue and further research is done stem cell transplants will become the first step in caring for cancer patients.

Clockwork Orange :: essays papers

Clockwork Orange The freedom of choice and the rehabilitating form of corrections encase the realm of A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess. It produces the question about man's free will and the ability to choose one's destiny, good or evil. "If he can only perform good or only perform evil, then he is a clockwork orange-meaning that he has the appearance of an organism lovely with colour and juice but is in fact only a clockwork toy to be wound up by God or the Devil or State". Burgess expresses the idea that man can not be completely good or evil and must have both in order to create a moral choice. The book deals upon reforming a criminal with only good morals and conditioning an automated response to "evil." Burgess enforces the idea of the medical model of corrections, in terms of rehabilitating an offender, which is up to the individual. That one should determine the cause and then find an exclusive treatment to resolve that individual's case, then apply it. This is the case with the character Alex, a juvenile delinquent introduced into prisonization then conditioned by governmental moral standards. This lack of personal moral choice imposed upon Alex creates conflicting situations in which he has no control over. This is apparent when trying to readjust into society. As conflicts arise within the spectrum of criminal justice the main focus is revolved around the corrections aspect of reforming the criminal element. Within the confines of the seventies Londoner. The character, Alex is created as the ultimate juvenile delinquent leading a small gang. Living within his own world the use of old Londoner language and attire reflect the non-conformity with society. Let loose within a large metropolitan, Alex is engulfed in the affairs of several criminal practices, from rape to aggravated assault. As a juvenile delinquent, Alex is finally caught and seen as an adult offender. Like all offenders he promotes his innocence and sets blame upon his companions. "Where are the others? Where are my stinking traitorous droogs? One of my cursed grahzny bratties chained me on the glazzies. Get them before they get away. It was their idea, brothers. They like forced me to do it". Betrayed by his cohorts Alex is beaten by local officials and confesses to all the crimes. As a point to retribution a sergeant states, "Violence makes violence" and proceeds to through Alex back into the cell.

Legal, professional and ethical issues relating to patients

Abstract The role of professionalism, ethics and the law has a direct impact on the experience of a patient in the modern world. This essay examines several facets that impact the patient and play a factor in the level of care provided. The data provided illustrates the integrated nature of the three aspects as well as demonstrating the benefit of ethical action. This essay will be of use to any researcher identifying patient rights. 1 Introduction The legal, professional and ethical issues surrounding patients have long been a matter of debate (Baylis, 2010). This essay assesses the state of expectations that surrounds each of these areas in an effort to identify specific elements that provide clarity. Beginning with a base background this evaluation will define each element in order to create a foundation for continued study. Next will be a critical appraisal of the ethical, legal and professional issues that have an impact on a patient seeking assistance. A combination of the elements of this essay will create the capacity to illustrate the strengths and detriments commonly associated with being a patient in the modern system. In the end, this essay examines past policy, modern practice and future potential in an effort to establish a better understanding of the professional, legal and ethical issues that influence and impact patients. 2 Patient Issues2.1 BackgroundThe moment that a consensual relationship has been established between doctor and patient there are critical legal, ethical and professional duties that are required on the part of the professional and expected on the part of the patient (Purtilo, Haddad and Doherty, 2014). A working relationship is enacted when a patient knowingly seeks out a health provider in order to address issues, and is cemented when the provider accepts the patient. After this point the physician and patient role becomes increasingly complex as issues must be continually assessed (Baylis, 2010). The role of patient rights and a physician or administrator duties are subject to change depending on the culture, region or nation that the person resides in (Baylis, 2010). With a distinct view to societal influence the legal and cultural definition of rights and responsibilities will vary. Others contend that a patient’s rights should be universal regardless of the place of resi dence or status (Corey, Corey and Callahan, 2014). A standardization of policy would reduce many issues that often plaque both patients and management (Corey et al, 2014). A demonstration of the effort to amend the build progress rests in the Declaration of Helsinki that served to lay out a set of ethical guidelines that have come to be highly regarded as a form of basic infrastructure (Purtilo et al, 2014). In an effort to address many of the legal, professional and ethical issues that surround the care of patients nations such as the United States have enacted a patient’s bill of rights with the express purpose of protecting and clarifying the role and duties of the health care system (Purtilo et al , 2014). These protections and guarantees create a form of reassurance that many find necessary in order to depend on the modern medical system. Hafferty and Franks (1994) conversely argue that a standardization of legal and professional behaviours will limit the capacity of the staff to respond to the patient’s needs. This argument further illustrates with the increase attention to teaching and adherence to an ethical standard much ability to move forward and progress in the practical world is lost (Hafferty et al 1994). However, the increase in ethical teaching over the course of the past decade has illustrated a benefit to making ethically and morally based business patient decisions (Kraus, Stricker and Speyer, 2011). With sensitive issues commonly addressed in a as regards the patients, an understanding and compassionate assessment and care pattern enhances the entire experience. Common elements of a patient’s rights platform will include a right to make independent medical decisions fully informed by responsible authority (Kraus et al, 2011). A patient form consent is a highly sought after protection this area (Kraus et al, 2011). With a clear need to provide a balanced opportunity for treatment, yet allow the provider latitude to accomplish what is necessary there is a delicate adjustment that must be maintained. There is a clear and abiding need to include patient autonomy in any form of care (Kraus et al, 2011). Many in the health care industry have opposed a formalized standard for patient care as an unnecessary burden that would only increase the paperwork and fundamental cost (Stirrat, Johnston, Gillon and Boyd, 2009). In the industry itself, the providers often cite the element of private competition as adequate to continually spur on high standards of patient care. The opposite argument states that patient care has been seen to be lax in envir onments that do not have adequate oversight to ensure compliance (Ellershaw and Wilkinson, 2003). Occasionally a patient’s care has been diminished by the lax form of care instituted by the institution (Ellershaw et al, 2003). Others point to the continued high standards that are a model of the high end private market as an example of what a positive free market patient care policy should embody (Stirrat et al, 2009). However most utilize the deontological tool to assess and evaluate the benefits of any one care process (Stirrat et al, 2009). Much like the Morally, the ethical position of a professional caregiver dictates a well-rounded and considered implementation of care that provides a solution to the patient’s on-going issues (Nettina, 2013). The position of non-maleficence, or, ‘first do no harm’, illustrates the proper role of the provider (Nettina, 2013). Further, this form of care creates a perception of beneficence that provides much of the moral standing for care providers (Nettina, 2013). A legal obligation may prevent the caregiver from doing what may be an ethically right act (Ellershaw et al, 2003). This combination of considerations comprises the full range of professional liability that patients are linked to. 2.2 Ethical Issues An ethical issue that ranks high at every level of care is the capacity for the patient to remain safe while receiving care (Leape, 2005). There is an ethical necessity for the caregiver to do all that is necessary to prevent injury to their patients (Leape, 2005). This broa d umbrella of safety expectations has led to an over expectation of comfort and quality of care, which in turn diminishes the perception of care (Hafferty et al, 1994). If in the process of ensuring patients safety something goes wrong, it becomes the ethical responsibility of care giver to identify new method to respond to similar cases (Leape, 2005). Others illustrate the high cost that can quickly be generated from investing resources haphazardly in an attempt to anticipate each and ethical issue (Ellershaw et al, 2003). All care providers have an ethical responsibility to take responsibility for mistakes made that impact their patients in any manner (Leape, 2005). The all too common effort to avoid or shift blame away, in order to preserve other clients must not be a consideration during the implementation of ethical patient’s considerations. The full scope of an issue may not be apparent immediately, dictating a delay in admitting fault (Stirrat et al, 2013). This argument is clearly illustrated in the complex issues surrounding ethical considerations in the field of mental health care for patients (Kraus et al, 2011). Ethically, mentally ill patients should be given the exact same rights and comforts that any other patient would receive (Kraus et al, 2011). Influences that include safety and behavior often have impact on the manner in which care is given (Stirrat et al, 2013). In some situations the question of care comes down to the decision of the provider and their unique approach to the illness. A common ethical dilemma that can lead to other professional and legal issues rests in the question of when to medicate and when to refrain from medication (Nettina, 2013). With a patient’s rights indicating that the best possible method be utilized, is this to be found in the reduction of pain or the allowance of pain in order to treat the larger issueThe ethical and moral questions must be continually addressed by both the patient and the provider in order to arrive at the best fundamental answer (Corey et al, 2014). The converse argument states that the professional knows best and should the person making the crucial decisions (Hafferty et al, 1994).2.3 Legal IssuesThere are a wide range of legal issues that make providing care for a patient a complex experience (Nettina, 2013). A patient must consider each element of their care in order to ensure that the appropriate services have been rendered. Nettina (2013) identifies the primary sources of legal risk in the nurse’s profession as patient care, procedures performed and the associated quality of documentation. This implies that at any one point a mistake in care may be interpreted as a legal lapse making the provider liable (Nettina, 2013). In order to minimize the exposure to legal and financial process, instruments including risk management systems and the implementation of devices designed to anticipate and reduce the risk of injury for patients (Nettina, 2013). The converse position argue that the financial expense of keeping up with the latest developments in science has a direct adverse impact on the mann er in which a small provider can find it difficult to sustain operations (Corey, 2014). In many nations including the United States and the United Kingdom, the fact that it is illegal to discriminate against a patient based on gender, nationality, religion or any reason allows for every person to find adequate care (Richardson and Storr, 2010). Others advocate for the application of health care after an assessment of insurance and payment abilities (Ellerwshaw et al, 2010). Potentially, those lacking an adequate source of funding for health care have received only marginal consideration, which in turn can quickly become not only an ethical and professional detriment but a legal issue that can diminish overall operations (Richardson et al, 2010). Yet, the provider can cite the case as bringing beyond their capacity and turn a patient away, thereby citing a legal reason to turn away patients (White and O’sullivan, 2012). Once treatment has commenced it is legally required to obtain consent of the patient prior to the performance of any treatment that may substantially impact the patient (Bayliss, 2012). This legal right ensures that a patient is informed before possible life altering decisions are made. In some cases a layman patient will not adequately understand the full issue at hand, and therefore the professional associated with the concern should make the call (Kraus et al, 2013). This position of decision making capacity again touches on the elements that are directly related to the ethical and professional policies and positions of the institution that is providing the patient with care. Further, once care has begun, the patient is assured of continuity of care as well as confidentially (Bayliss, 2012). This legal underpinning ensures that an incapacitated patient will not have to make critical decisions immediately or during the procedure. A primary method of protection for patients and overall control for care providers rests in the legal institution of mal practice (Jonsen, Siegler and Winslade, 2006). Others argue that the institution of mal practice ties the hands of care providers by putting too many hurdles in way of effective care (Hafferty et al, 1994). Still others advocate for a mitigated form of malpractice that addresses the needs of the patient without threatening the entire structure of the provider’s livelihood (Corey et al, 2014). In cases that a providers services can be proven to be less than what was expected by the patient or the institution, there is the opportunity for financial redress. In order to mal practice to be claimed, there must be an existing patient and provider relationship acknowledged on all sides (Jonsen et al, 2006). A patient is legally entitled to a referral to a better provider if the first practitioner is unable to meet their needs (Bayliss, 2013). This area touches on the ethical responsibly of the provider to assist the patient in any reasonable manner (Corey, 2014). Others cite the potential for litigation if the referral goes wrong and there are problems for the patient (Hafferty et al, 1994). A continued source of worry for the medical profession is the looming threat of court action over a mistake or oversight on their part (Bayliss, 2013).2.4 Professional IssuesThe entirety of the expected behaviour of any patient related institution is required to exhibit professional and exemplary behaviour (Corey et al, 2014). This expectation is tempered by region, financial issues and the available of competent staff (Urden, Lough, Stacy and Thelan, 2006). Many contend that care for the patient should come before financial or regulatory concerns (Bayliss, 2012). Regional and national political reg ulations play a large part in the establishment of professional standards as regards the treatment of patients in several areas around the world (Corey et al, 2014). A Professional perception is made up of the ethical and legal considerations that are relevant to the position, again providing a firm indication of the integrated nature of the legal, ethical and professional aspect of patient care (Bayliss, 2012). The professional will not neglect the rights of the patient in the pursuit of their goals (Corey et al, 2014). This facet reflects the need for the professional to terminate the relationship at the correct time, for the proper reason. In many cases, some professionals will make a billing cycle longer for the simple reason of increased revenue with little effort (Corey et al, 2014). Others describe this approach as overly cautious and cite the need to be certain of the outcome for the patient before any change of status should be implemented (Bayliss, 2012). This same sense of professionalism is extended to the form of treatment that a patient has the right to expect, with the best choice, not the latest trend being the choice (Stirrat et al, 2013). The patient must be given every component of information in order to provide an informed consent. Anything less than full transparency on the part of the provider is an ethical, legal and professional blunder (Corey et al, 2014). 3 Conclusion This essay examines the role of the legal, ethical and professional actions as regards the expectations of the patient. With the evidence presented in this review, there is argument for many issues that touch on all three aspects. Lacking a universal patient’s bill of rights, the issues experienced by patients seeking assistance can vary widely according to region and financial ability. The data presented in the this essay indicates that while the ideal system advocates for a fair and equal patient experience, it is often those that have the financial support that have the best care. The evidence presented here provided support for the contention that ethical decisions will benefit the professional and legal standing of the patient provider. By ensuring a high standard of care, the provider is doing everything possible ethically and morally to address the concern. This effort diminishes the potential legal ramifications that centre on the mal practice and court process. The areas of ethics, professionalism and legality correspond to create a complex environment for a patient to navigate. This makes it necessary to ensure a high standard of professionalism within the ranks of the patient provider network. There must be a balance as there cannot be an effort to placate the patient that becomes adverse to the overall treatment. Much like any other industry there is a balance that must be maintained in the relationship between provider and patient in order for the best results to be experienced. The modern world has provided patients with new and diverse opportunities for care in nearly every nation around the world. With the areas of professionalism, legality and ethics playing a building role in the way services are provided, there must be a continual and considered approach to each policy in order to ensure the rights of everypatient. In the end it will be the combination of all three aspects that create the opportunity for progress. References Baylis, F. 2010. Health care ethics in Canada. Australia: Thomson Nelson. Corey, G. 2014. Issues and ethics in the helping professions. [S.l.]: Cengage Learning. Edwards, S. J., Braunholtz, D. A., Lilford, R. J. and Stevens, A. J. 1999. Ethical issues in the design and conduct of cluster randomised controlled trials. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 318 (7195), p. 1407. Ellershaw, J. and Wilkinson, S. 2003. Care of the dying. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Frost, D. W., Cook, D. J., Heyl and Fowler, R. A. 2011. Patient and healthcare professional factors influencing end-of-life decision-making during critical illness: A systematic review*.Critical care medicine, 39 (5), pp. 1174–1189. Hafferty, F. W. and Franks, R. 1994. The hidden curriculum, ethics teaching, and the structure of medical education. Academic Medicine, 69 (11), pp. 861–71. Jonsen, A. R., Siegler, M. and Winslade, W. J. 2006. Clinical ethics. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Pub. Division. Kraus, R., Stricke r, G. and Speyer, C. 2011. Online counseling. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic Press. Nettina, S. M. 2013. Lippincott manual of nursing practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Purtilo, R. B., Haddad, A. M. and Doherty, R. F. 2014. Health professional and patient interaction. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier/Saunders. Richardson, A. and Storr, J. 2010. Patient safety: a literative review on the impact of nursing empowerment, leadership and collaboration. International nursing review, 57 (1), pp. 12–21. Solomon, M. Z., O’donnell, L., Jennings, B., Guilfoy, V., Wolf, S. M., Nolan, K., Jackson, R., Koch-Weser, D. and Donnelley, S. 1993. Decisions near the end of life: professional views on life-sustaining treatments. American Journal of Public Health, 83 (1), pp. 14–23. Stirrat, G., Johnston, C., Gillon, R. and Boyd, K. 2010. Medical ethics and law for doctors of tomorrow: the 1998 Consensus Statement updated. Journal of Medical Ethics, 36 ( 1), pp. 55–60. Str, Cipolle, R. J., Morley, P. C. and Frakes, M. J. 2004. The impact of pharmaceutical care practice on the practitioner and the patient in the ambulatory practice setting: twenty-five years of experience. Current pharmaceutical design, 10 (31), pp. 3987–4001. Urden, L. D., Lough, M. E., Stacy, K. M. and Thelan, L. A. 2006. Thelan’s critical care nursing. St. Louis: Mosby. White, K. M. and O’sullivan, A. 2012. The essential guide to nursing practice. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.

Allegory of the Cave Summary and Response Essay - 698 Words

Marlo Diorio Dr. Mishra – College Writing I â€Å"Allegory of the Cave† â€Å"Allegory of the Cave†, written by Plato, is story that contrasts the differences between what is real and what is perceived. He opens with Glaucon talking to Socrates. He has Glaucon imagine what it would be like to be chained down in a cave, not able to see anything other than what is in front of him. He tells a story of men that were trapped in a cave and were prisoners to the truth. These prisoners have only seen shadows. But because of their ignorance, these slaves to the cave believe that the shadows are real. The story goes on to say that one of the men has been dragged out of the cave. He is not happy to see the real world, yet upset because he is being taken†¦show more content†¦It would never be an easy path to walk down, and it would take a lot of struggling. Only certain determined people will actually make it to the opposite side. Socrates says these most qualified people should be the ones to lead the public. I bel ieve this is also true in today’s society. I say this because when it comes to election time, we as a country are not going to vote for an uneducated lunatic. I believe that the president should be someone intelligent with good morals and very qualified. In order to reach that high point, you must go out of your comfort zone, like the prisoner did. In life, people go out of their comfort zones all of the time. I’ve always believed that in order to achieve something you’ve never had/done, you must do something you’ve never done before, such as stepping out of your comfort zone. Only the best can be found when you make an attempt to extend yourself as a human being. I relate the cave in this story to the social norm. No one wants to step out of it because I their life, the norm is all there is. I believe the shadows would represent all of the other things that could be out there, but they have no desire to go find out what they are. They are too comfortable with what they have and haven’t gone looking for more. The cave is a comfort zone for the prisoners in Plato’s time and for teenagers today. Without the outside world, there is no curiosity, no questioning. I believe it is important toShow MoreRelatedSummary Response to Platos Allegory of the Cave630 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿SUMMARY RESPONSE TO PLATOS ALLEGORY OF THE CAVE (625 WORDS) The main idea presented by Plato in his infamous Allegory of the Cave is that the average persons perceptions are severely limited by personal perspective. Plato uses the metaphorical situation of prisoners chained together in a way that limited their visual perception to the shadows projected from behind them onto a wall in front of them. 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