Comparing Aristotle and Plato Essays - 1325 Words

Comparing Aristotle and Plato Aristotle argues that in order for a polis to emerge, a union between man and women must convene. Later a household must be introduced which unites with other households to form a village, villages come together to form city-states. This theory is Aristotle’s natural view that an individual can not be self sufficient Plato argues that, in order to achieve absolute justice, a city-state is needed. In The Republic, Plato builds around the idea of Philosopher Rulers. Even though it is not his primary point, it certainly is at the core of his discussion of the ideal state. The question that arises is, Why do you need ideal states which will have philosophers as rulers? There are many layers to the†¦show more content†¦The main way to institutionalize rules is through government and in the form of laws. Platos The Republic is not an explication of laws of the people. It is a separation of power amongst three classes--Rulers, Auxiliaries, Commoners--that makes the most of each persons natural abilities and strives for the good of the community. The point is to create a harmonious unity amongst the three classes, which will lead to the greater good of the community, and, consequently, each individual. The three classes are a product of different aptitude levels for certain tasks amid various individuals. Plato assigns different political roles to different members of each class. It appears that the only classes that are allowed to participate in government are the Auxiliaries and, of course, the Philosopher Rulers. The lower class does not partake in politics because they are not mentally able. In other words, they do not understand the concept of the forms. Thus, it is better to allow the Philosophers, who do have this knowledge, to lead them. Providing food and abode for the Guardians are the only governmental responsibility the lower class has. The Auxiliaries are in charge of the military, police, and executive duties. Ruling and making laws is reserved for the Philosopher Rulers whose actions are all intended for the good of the state. To ensure that public good continues to be foremostShow MoreRelatedComparing Aristotle and Plato Essay793 Words   |  4 PagesComparing Aristotle and Plato We have two great philosophers, Plato and Aristotle. These are great men, whose ideas have not been forgotten over years. Although their thoughts of politics were similar, we find some discrepancies in their teachings. The ideas stem from Socrates to Plato to Aristotle. Plato based moral knowledge on abstract reason, while Aristotle grounded it on experience and tried to apply it more to concrete living. Both ways of life are well respected by many people todayRead More Comparing Plato and Aristotle Essay2140 Words   |  9 PagesComparing Plato and Socrates Plato was among the most important and creative thinkers of the ancient world. He was born in Athens in 428 BC to an aristocratic and well-off family. Even as a young child Plato was familiar with political life because his father, Ariston was the last king of Athens. Ariston died when Plato was a young boy. However, the excessive Athenian political life, which was under the oligarchical rule of the Thirty Tyrants and the restored democracy, seem to have forcedRead MoreComparing Plato s And Aristotle s Speculations1066 Words   |  5 Pagescan be when their wants and needs aren’t addressed. Plato and Aristotle aim to outline a citizen that helps the State to run at its finest, but set their basis under the wrong conditions. To look at justice in the soul, Plato used the bigger idea of the State to compare it to an individual. From his reasoning, there’s a strong relationship between State and citizen and every person has a role that contributes to the bigger piece of a whole. Plato, however, doesn’t regard the individual’s wants andRead MoreEssay on Comparing and Contrasting Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle708 Words   |  3 Pagesmeditate about life, and would sit or talk and write books about life. These have always been one of Greeks reasons of why it is so famous. Because of their marvelous philosophers. The most important philosophers from that time and always are: Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. Socrates: Socrates was a very important philosopher. He usually questioned a lot about traditions, religion and government. One of his ideas, now used at school, is the Socratic Method. This is that a person asks questionsRead MoreComparing Plato And Aristotle s Idea Of Happiness1852 Words   |  8 Pagescomponent of the city and are shown in the image and likeliness of the state. This essay will seek to compare Plato and Aristotle’s idea of happiness and how it introduced different ideals and perspectives to understand and practice politics in this period, and how the mere opinion on democratic institutions by these philosophers influenced the role and influence of politics throughout generations. Plato on Happiness In Plato’s Republic, we see a challenge to find the true definition of justice, the orderRead MoreComparing The Film Dead Man Walking The Works Of Aristotle And Plato1754 Words   |  8 Pages Virtue ethics was born from the works of Aristotle and Plato. Virtue ethics focuses on a person’s character rather then the acts committed. The main goal of virtue ethics is finding happiness and becoming an excellent person. To become an excellent person, they must get rid of their vices and achieve more virtues. Vices are bad character traits about a person and virtues are good character traits. A person gets rid of their vices by following the example of an excellent person. For a person toRead MorePlato and Aristotle: An Analysis1175 Words   |  5 Pagesof Plato and Aristotle regarding the best political association. Quotes from Politics and the Republic are used to support the author’s thesis. Plato and Aristotle: An Analysis Determining the best form of political association was important to the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, and each of them expressed his opinion in important works such as the Republic and Politics. In explaining, comparing, and contrasting the political philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, itRead MoreThe Utopian Views Of Plato And Platos Political State741 Words   |  3 PagesPhilosophers are all known for questioning and exploring Ideals; taking a look at all options and what is most important. While Aristotle and Plato both take a plunge into the unknowns of a political state, Aristotle demonstrates a state for individuals, to rule as equals, contrary to Plato’s strict utopian structure and group over individual hierarchy view of the ideal state. Plato’s ideal state is strictly structured through a utopian ideal. Everything within Plato’s ideal state has a place andRead MorePlato And Aristotle Disagree About Virtue. Plato And Aristotle1403 Words   |  6 PagesPlato and Aristotle Disagree about Virtue Plato and Aristotle are great philosophers and they have talked a lot about virtue. Although these two people started from similar settings, their ideas about virtue were actually different. Plato’s philosophy was more about non-material things, like ideas and love. On the other hand, Aristotle liked things that are more measurable and physicals. In this paper, I will first discuss Plato’s ideas about the nature of virtue, which people have virtue when theyRead MoreComparing The Political Theories Of Two Philosophers1444 Words   |  6 PagesDominic Bressi Prof. Catherine Chaput CH 201 15 October 2014 When comparing the political theories of two renowned philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, one must first focus on the merits of each of their own theories in depth. Plato is often considered as the first writer of political philosophy while Aristotle is considered the first political scientist. Though Aristotle was once a student of Plato, the two differ on the topic of how to best improve society for the benefit of mankind. Thus