Abstract: There are two main interpretations of the central question posed by the cave metaphor in The Republic — how philosophers can enter political life: the "coercion theory" and the "persuasion theory". However, the "coercion theory" leads to a contradiction between the justice of the city-state and the happiness of the individual, thus making Plato's theory of justice not self-consistent. The "persuasion theory", on the other hand, does not adequately argue for the inevitability of the philosopher's rule over the city-state, and the "persuasive" reasons it relies on contradict the philosopher's own pursuits. Neither explanation adequately explains why philosophers should enter political life. "Eros" offers a new explanatory model for the philosopher's involvement in political life. It is the intrinsic motivation for philosophers to return to the cave and the fundamental reason why they engage in political activity. Through Eros, philosophers are able to transform the pursuit of ideals into political action, thus bringing the justice of the city-state into agreement with the happiness of the individual.

Key words: cave metaphor, philosopher, political life, Eros