Plato Vs Aristotle On Politics And Philosophy - 1899 Words

Plato versus Aristotle Plato and Aristotle, two philosophers in the 4th century, hold polar views on politics and philosophy in general. This fact is very cleverly illustrated by Raphael s School of Athens (1510-11; Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican), where Plato is portrayed looking up to the higher forms; and Aristotle is pointing down because he supports the natural sciences. In a discussion of politics, the stand point of each philosopher becomes an essential factor. It is not coincidental that Plato states in The Republic that Philosopher Rulers who possess knowledge of the good should be the governors in a city state. His strong interest in metaphysics is demonstrated in The Republic various times: for example, the similes of the cave, the sun, and the line, and his theory of the forms. Because he is so involved in metaphysics, his views on politics are more theoretical as opposed to actual. Aristotle, contrarily, holds the view that politics is the art of ruling and being ruled in turn. In The Politics, he attempts to outline a way of governing that would be ideal for an actual state. Balance is a main word in discussing Aristotle because he believes it is the necessary element to creating a stable government. His less metaphysical approach to politics makes Aristotle more in tune with the modern world, yet he is far from modern. Plato s concept of what politics and government should be is a direct result of his belief in the theory of forms. The theory of formsShow MoreRelatedPlato vs. Aristotle1952 Words   |  8 PagesPlato vs. Aristotle Plato and Aristotle, two philosophers in the 4th century, hold polar views on politics and philosophy in general. This fact is very cleverly illustrated by Raphaels School of Athens (1510-11; Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican), where Plato is portrayed looking up to the higher forms; and Aristotle is pointing down because he supports the natural sciences. In a discussion of politics, the stand point of each philosopher becomes an essential factor. It is not coincidentalRead MoreEmpiricism Is The Theory That Experience1202 Words   |  5 Pagesproblems. Since this revolution, philosophers and political theorists have developed two different ideas on what politics should be about and how a government should be ran: politics should be about making citizens more virtuous vs politics should be about the â€Å"basics† like security and property rights. Throughout this paper, I will be analyzing these two different outlooks on politics and presenting a case for both. Thomas Hobbes believed that the government should essentially limit itself to theRead MoreThe 5 Hearths Of Civilization2028 Words   |  9 Pagescivilizations. Plato and Aristotle Plato and Aristotle are two of the most famous figures in ancient Greek history. These men were two of the most influential philosophers and scholars of their times. Although Aristotle was considered Plato’s most prized student, they had their differences. As a devoted follower of Socrates, Plato was an idealist. He developed what is known as inductive reasoning, which is going from a specific observation to a generalization. On the other hand, Aristotle was a realistRead MoreAn Ideal Hero: Greek vs. Roman Essay1527 Words   |  7 Pagescultural propaganda. Greek Heros= models of courage skill to men (what to be) women (what to look for- sense of security). a. Dominant Theme: warrior code of personal honor and glory b. Contrasting themes: Family principle, simple country life vs. war, admiration of enemies. 5. Literary works by Homer Blind poet Homer - represents the culmination of a long and vigorous tradition in which oral recitation—possibly to instrumental accompaniment—was a popular kind of entertainment. Read MorePlato And Aristotle s Political Situation2648 Words   |  11 Pages 1. Introduction Plato and Aristotle are two of the most influential figures in academic history, yet in spite of their intricate relationship, the pair had differing, albeit not always opposing, views on language which could be argued to be a result of the changing politics of the Ancient Greek era. In this essay I will firstly explore the political situation surrounding the time of both philosophers. Following this, I will expand upon these findings and consolidate them in regards to various languageRead MoreAristotle vs. Copernicus1501 Words   |  7 PagesAristotle vs. Copernicus Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist, who shared with Plato the distinction of being the most famous of ancient philosophers. Aristotle was born at Stagira, in Macedonia, the son of a physician to the royal court. At the age of 17, he went to Athens to study at Platos Academy. He remained there for about 20 years, as a student and then as a teacher. When Plato died in 347 bc , Aristotle moved to Assos, a city in Asia Minor, where a friend of his, Hermias (dRead MoreThe Persian Wars Were Significant For World History1441 Words   |  6 Pagesduring the golden age after the Greek victory over Persia. The rule of the people paved the way for freedom of speech, which is still relevant in the modern day especially in America. However, while Athenian democracy provided a model for contemporary politics, there are some noticeable differences between the ancient and present day democratic practices. According to the International Journal of Sociology, â€Å"Modern democrats thought they knew a few big things about what democracy was because of what theyRead MoreDeontological Moral Systems : Ethics1532 Words   |  7 Pagesto those results are moral while your actions lead away from them are immoral. Teleology pervades Aristotle s philosophy, perhaps like no other notion. Its applications range from elemental theory and chemistry, to psychology, biology, astronomy, ethics and politics. Surveying the uses of teleology throughout his philoso phy can thus serve as a good introduction to Aristotle s overall philosophy. Monte Ransome Johnson s study provides such a survey, and in the process gives us an in-depth analysisRead MorePlato vs. Aristotle2421 Words   |  10 PagesBy Gerard Chretien Plato vs. Aristotle Numerous experts in modern time regard Plato as the first genuine political philosopher and Aristotle as the first political scientist. They were both great thinkers in regards to, in part with Socrates, being the foundation of the great western philosophers. Plato and Aristotle each had ideas in how to proceed with improving the society in which they were part of during their existence. It is necessary therefore to analyze their different theoreticalRead MorePolitical Theory: Comparing Locke, Rousseau and Plato Essay3770 Words   |  16 PagesLocke: What is the purpose of politics - we could live in the state of nature, we don’t need contract or soverign - life, liberty and property State of nature: men live according to reason and governed by reason - man exists in the state of nature in perfect freedom to do as they want, a state of perfect freedom - not necessarily good or bad, bit is calm and peaceful - men give up some of their freedom to secure the advantages of civilized socity