Aristotle's Ownership Of Physical Objects

Sartre, a twentieth-century philosopher, states that by becoming “proficient in some skill” that we ‘own’ it. We know that qualities we possess impact our morality and righteousness, but Plato and Aristotle argue that physical objects can do the same. Plato argues that tangible objects are “detrimental to a person’s character, and Aristotle argues the opposite, that it can “develop” it. Plato is correct in saying that it can poorly impact our character because when we own more objects we tend to look down upon others who don’t.

Ownership of physical objects should help to teach us to be humble even though we may have more than others, yet it does the opposite. Humility is a quality very rarely possessed today considering we live in a world where everyone tries to be better than the
When someone sees something of important physical value, like a phone, the impulse to own this item can result in the illegal act of theft. The stealing of this object impacts the integrity of the thief, whether caught or not the illegal act has now made this person a criminal. Greed causes us to overlook all our good conscience and bend the law for our own favor. The consequence of greed is a detrimental impact on our character, in the sense we don’t know how to control our knowledge of what is right and what is wrong.

Ownership or the desire of ownership can bring out some of the most damaging character traits, greed, pride, envy, and sloth. These are four of the deadly sins which are said to birth immorality. Plato’s quote about ownership being “detrimental” to a person’s character and morality is proven true through these vices. Each one can bring out the worst qualities that each of us possess. We can never truly lose these aspects of ourselves, yet if we take the time to appreciate the items we have and how we have obtained them we can learn to be grateful for the lives we