Paleo

The Philosophies of Plato and Aristotle

Plato or Aristotle. What are the primary differences in the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle? Which philosophy might have been the better one to live by in that era? Give examples and details to support your argument.
The likes of Plato and Aristotle have become the cornerstones of the worldview philosophical influences born by the Greeks.
Born 428 BC in Athens, Plato had originally planned for a career in wrestling and later following in his families footsteps within their sphere of influence in the political world. During his formative years, Plato studied art and music, and had planned to compete in the Olympic games. Because of his large frame, Aristocles had dubbed himself “Platon”, which is Greek for “broad or flat.” (Dictionary.com) Plato later became acquainted with a wandering philosopher by the name of Socrates, who taught Plato to challenge conventional teachings, and to think differently. Socrates also challenged the youth to think the same way and to question authority’s teachings. Socrates’ belief in his unique philosophy led to his demise, as he was “executed in 399 BC for corrupting the youth.” (artofmanliness.com)
The death of Plato’s friend and mentor, Socrates, had a profound impact on his emotional well-being, and became a definitive turning point in Plato’s life. Perhaps this significant event also played a role into why Plato’s philosophies focus on a more perfect world, or as many choose to believe, the heavens.
Plato believed and taught that there was another, more perfect world outside of the one we live in; that we are all just imitations and lesser models of our more perfect selves. He also believed in a very definitive and strict system which categorized people based upon social classes, and subsequently designed his own “perfect system” of functionality, and a hierarchy of classes of people. He proposed this plan to the courts, and was denied and ultimately jailed as a result. An example of his “perfect plan” includes a “perfect society, one in which all children would be raised by the state, taught to see it as their only parent, and continuously evaluated and sorted as they grew up.
The weak and not-so-bright kids were allowed to live by their Passion. This group, which Plato called the “Mob”, were intended for unwitting servitude and strict control and assigned to be farmers and laborers. Distracted with jewelry and other frivolous things, they worked their lives away for the good of the whole society.
The strong and bright kids got to be warriors and live by their Courage. Without worldly possessions to distract them, these warriors would be able to focus on their duty of keeping order in society (they would be the only ones with swords or, say, MP40s). These Warrior-Guardians would be a completely male force. Plato did not have a high opinion of women.”(artofmanliness.com)
The smartest, superiorly intellectual, most bright children would be promoted to study and eventually teach philosophy. Philosophers would be the rulers of his “perfect society.”
Aristotle, on the other hand, was Plato’s student until Plato’s death in 347 BC. Aristotle was firm in his belief that some people were born to be rulers, while others were born to be workers. He believed that all people have an innate desire to learn and grow, but that each possesses a unique ability and capacity to do so. While Plato made decisions based upon his ideals, Aristotle was more focused and insistent upon on factual, science based ideas and logic when making decisions. Interestingly, Aristotle’s philosophy directly countered Plato’s. While Plato believed that there was a separate, more perfect universe; Aristotle believed that anything within this realm is capable of being perfect when it performs its natural acts instinctually, and is not coerced, faked or taught. His philosophy was born on the basis of natural good ethics and good actions. Wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge were desirable character traits, and to form the knowledge bank needed to create wisdom, one must live through experiences which provide knowledge. Aristotle believed that knowledge attained through action was much more important and valuable than that of reading books, but his most important and valuable trait was divinity through natural behavior. In contrast and summary; where Plato clearly points to a distinction between spiritual and physical, Aristotle believes that the two are one in the same and can exist harmoniously through balance. Through his scientific view, Aristotle was unable to distinguish a scientific, mathematical or reasonable explanation for Plato’s views. “Aristotle asserts that the physical and the rational are not two parts of men but two dimensions of men. Thus, the exercise in good actions is as essential to the virtuous life as exercise in strength is to the physically healthy life.” (artofmanliness.com)
I believe that out of the two polar opposite philosophical views, Aristotle’s view is much more valid and acceptable both during the time that Plato and Aristotle lived, as well as now, as evidenced in Aristotle’s quote: “Politics appears to be the master art for it includes so many others and its purpose is the good of man. While it is worthy to perfect one man, it is finer and more godlike to perfect a nation.“ (ARIST. Nico. I.2.)
Works Cited:
Lawall, Sarah N., eds. The Norton Anthology Of Western Literature. New York : W.W. Norton, 2006. Print.
Man Knowledge: The Greek Philosophers 4 Feb 2010. Web. 13 July 2013 from: http://www.artofmanliness.com
N.S. Gill, Aristotle Quotes; Quotes Attributed to Aristotle. Web. 13 July 2013 from: http://ancienthistory.about.com
The European Graduate School: Plato Biography Web. 13 July 2013 from: http://www.egs.edu

Cited: Lawall, Sarah N., eds. The Norton Anthology Of Western Literature. New York : W.W. Norton, 2006. Print. Man Knowledge: The Greek Philosophers 4 Feb 2010. Web. 13 July 2013 from: http://www.artofmanliness.com N.S. Gill, Aristotle Quotes; Quotes Attributed to Aristotle. Web. 13 July 2013 from: http://ancienthistory.about.com The European Graduate School: Plato Biography Web. 13 July 2013 from: http://www.egs.edu