Comparison of Platos and Aristotles Approaches to the Nature of Reality

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato critically analyzed various topics, including politics, physics, and ethics. At the Academy at Athens, which Plato founded in the 380s as a center for philosophical, scientific, and mathematical research and teaching, Aristotle studied under and worked alongside him for about 20 years (Stalley, 2020). Even though many more of Platos writings have endured the ages, Aristotles contributions have probably had a greater impact, especially on science and logical thought. The works of both philosophers continue to have enormous historical worth even though they are now viewed as having little theoretical worth (Hasel, 2021). However, this paper critically examines the differences and similarities between Aristotle and Plato on the nature of reality or metaphysics.

Discussion

Platos idealistic philosophy is derived from his belief that concepts have a universal, ideal form. According to Aristotle, each item or concept instance must be examined separately because universal forms are not always associated with particular objects or concepts (Stalley, 2020). This way of view results in Aristotelian empiricism. To establish the attributes of an object, according to Plato, thought experiments and reasoning would be sufficient (Hasel, 2021). However, Aristotle rejected this in favor of direct observation and experience.

Thoughts were deemed superior to the senses by both Aristotle and Plato. In contrast to Plato, Aristotle asserted that the senses were necessary for accurately determining reality and that they could not be used to deceive a person. The allegory of the cave, which Plato developed, serves as an illustration of this distinction. According to him, reality only existed in ones thoughts since the world was like a cave in which one could only see shadows created by outside light (Stalley, 2020). Based on the Aristotelian method, the obvious remedy is to leave the cave and directly experience what is causing the light and shadows instead of depending on oblique or internal sensations.

Plato believed that virtue is knowledge taken alone. This suggests that virtue might be taught by showing someone right from wrong and good from evil. It moreover implies that understanding the good is to do the good. Knowing the correct thing will lead one to do the right thing automatically. According to Aristotle, doing the right thing is more important than simply understanding it; one must actively choose to do it, which essentially means developing a habit of doing the right thing (Stalley, 2020). As opposed to the theoretical position of Plato, this definition put Aristotelian ethics on a practical level.

Plato believed that wisdom was the fundamental virtue and that combining all other qualities was possible. As per Aristotle, wisdom is virtuous, yet attaining virtue is not always possible and does not result in the unification of other virtues. (Hasel, 2021) Thus, until a person decided to think and behave correctly, other virtues would continue beyond their grasp, and wisdom was a goal that could only be attained through effort.

To develop a perfect system of government, Plato believed that individuals should subordinate their interests to those of society. His Republic envisioned a perfect society in which the three classes of peoplephilosophers, soldiers, and workerseach had a specific function and where authority was retained in those thoughts most capable of exercising it (Hasel, 2021). Although the Republic would take a more philosophical and less combative course than the Spartan oligarchy that Plato battled against, the tone and viewpoint nevertheless reflect an elite looking out for the less capable.

On the other hand, Aristotle believed that the city (polis) was the fundamental political unit, followed by the family, which in turn was followed by the individual. Because man is a political animal by nature, according to Aristotle, he cannot avoid the difficulties of politics (Hasel, 2021). He believed that politics is more like an organism than a machine and that the purpose of the polis was not to ensure justice or economic stability but to provide a setting in which its citizens may live happy lives and carry out noble deeds. Aristotle became the first political scientist by moving beyond political theory and avoiding utopian solutions, watching political processes to come up with improvements.

First, both Plato and Aristotle believed that democracy was a poor form of government and should not be put into practice. Democracy has several flaws due to general equality, as it does not produce leadership from the most qualified individuals (Stalley, 2020). Second, Aristotle and Plato held the following tenets: harmony, the organic view, the realistic view, politics, and morality; the notion that people are social beings; and the efficiency of the state and its people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Greek philosophers Aristotle and Plato engaged in a critical examination of a variety of subjects, including politics, physics, and ethics. Despite the fact that their perspectives on the nature of reality varied, they shared some similarities. The primary distinction between Platos and Aristotles philosophy is that the former is more theoretical and abstract in character, whereas the latter is more practical and experimental. Aristotle and Plato both considered that thoughts were superior to the senses. On the other hand, Aristotle claimed that the senses were necessary to accurately assess reality, contrary to Platos view that they may deceive a person. Lastly, Plato and Aristotle both believed that democracy is a poor form of government that should not be implemented. Since broad equality has numerous flaws, democracy does not give leadership to the best-qualified individuals.

References

Hasel, G. (n.d.). Art, culture and collective memory Plato and Aristotle. Knowledge Exchange. Web.

Stalley, R. (2020). Plato and Aristotle on Nature and Society. Virtue Ethics and Contemporary Aristotelianism. Web.

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Comparison of Platos and Aristotles Approaches to the Nature of Reality

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