Comparing the political theories of any two great philosophers is a complex task. Plato and Aristotle are two such philosophers who had ideas of how to improve existing societies during their individual lifetimes. While both Plato and Aristotle were great thinkers‚ perhaps it is necessary first to examine the ideas of each before showing how one has laid the groundwork and developed certain themes for the other. Plato is regarded by many experts as the first writer of political philosophy. He fashioned
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Estelle Rousseau Ancient Greek Philosophy Professor Lemos 23 November 2012 Plato and Aristotle’s Contrasting Views on the Nature of the Soul Both Plato and Aristotle offered theories on the nature of the soul throughout their prolific careers. Though they both agree on the existence of a soul in living things‚ they diverge in perspective on its ultimate goals‚ how it exists in relation to the body‚ what actions benefit and harm it‚ and whether or not our souls survive our bodies in death. In
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Aristotle/Plato Essay What is the purpose of an examined life? The examined life is a life that is thought through logically and has a clear and distinct view on the world and everything that makes up the world. An examined life also has a logical purpose and goal to strive for and achieve. Not only is this life preferable but also it is necessary‚ which is shown through Plato’s writings in the Five Dialogues‚ that “the unexamined life is not worth living for men” (41‚ Five Dialogues). Without
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Plato and Aristotle Dialogue As I was at Plato’s Academy‚ I overhear an argument between Plato and Aristotle. The two were in an intensive argument over the theory of forms and the theory of knowledge. As I listened‚ I noticed that the two had extremely different viewpoints on the issues‚ but both men had compelling arguments. The first heated discussion was on the theory of knowledge. Plato’s views on knowledge were interesting to me. Plato believed that knowledge about reality comes from within
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Plato and Aristotle attempt to arrive at a set of moral principles dealing with‚ what is considered good and bad and with moral duty and obligation. Plato believed that concepts had an ideal and universal form which lead to his idealistic philosophy. Aristotle believed that universal forms were not linked to an object or concept but needed to be analyzed on its own. Although Aristotle was a student of Plato‚ he did not necessarily agree with Plato’s theory on morality. Aristotle was more focused
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second book of The Politics‚ Aristotle digresses from Plato’s recommendations and provides a counter framework for what he believes is an ideal state. The best ideal state according to Aristotle is one that is not ruled by philosopher kings. This main feature of rulership is what distances Aristotle from Plato. Is it natural for there to be a group of philosophers ruling? Is it natural that these philosophers must be removed from private life? These are the questions Aristotle deals with in the second
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predecessors Plato and Aristotle. Whereas his predecessors held virtue in an ideal environment (idealism)‚ Machiavelli defined virtue in a real environment where one is judged by his actions and not by the way his actions ought to be (realism). [pic][pic] According to Plato and Aristotle good life only exists in total virtue where a person will be most happy. Plato places emphasis on the extinction of personal desires through love so that one can achieve happiness (Barker‚ 1959). Aristotle on the other
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By 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 theoretical
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THE CONCEPT OF IMITATION IN PLATO AND ARISTOTLE Abstract Plato and Aristotle argue that artist (Demiurge) and poet imitate nature‚ thus‚ a work of art is a reflection of nature. However‚ they have different views on the functions of imitation in art and literature. Plato believes in the existence of the ideal world‚ where exists a real form of every object found in nature. A work of art –which reflects nature is twice far from the reality it represents. Aristotle‚ on the other hand‚ does not
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Aristotle VS. Plato Epistemology‚ “theory of knowledge”‚ is the logic of getting to the metaphysics. Ontology‚ “theory of being”‚ is the very distinct part of metaphysics‚ where definitional divisions appear even larger than in metaphysics itself. “Ontos”‚ a Greek word‚ which means “being” and “episteme”‚ is a Greek word‚ which means “knowledge” of the highest‚ most reliable and certain kind. For Plato‚ there exist two worlds: the ever changing material world and the eternal world of Forms
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