Reaction Paper On Plato and Aristotle

Reaction Paper on Plato and Aristotle
Plato is considered one of the greatest philosophers of all time because his
thoughts still influence contemporary times. Unlike other writers who have
disappeared into history as a result of the introduction of more progressive scholars,
modern writers have constructed Plato's ideas to produce their own philosophies and is
largely based on the ideas of Plato.
Plato is a unique writer because of his versatility. He had no special fields like
art, religion or science in which he was described as a giant. He is a giant of all
disciplines. As much as his ideas are applicable in the fields of religion and philosophy
(Huard 147), this writer is known for using mathematics and science to explain his
theories. In short, a form of love known as platonic love is named after him, to
demonstrate the limitless influence that this philosopher had on humanity. Platonic
love is revealed as a unique type of relationship that survives all challenges before
lovers engage in sexual contact as a form of reward for conquering all their diversity.
Plato's philosophy is still studied in universities around the world, and most leaders use
his ideals to rule their countries. Some of his ideas for leadership centered on an ideal
society or republic.
On the other hand, Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and a very cultured
person. He was a student of Plato and was the founder of the Lyceum. His views on all
issues are teleological. He recognizes goals separate and greater than the wishes of
individual human beings. He gained much wisdom and knowledge through his
experiences and observations.
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Aristotle believed that human happiness was a reaction to the realization of
human potential. This potential can be identified through rational choice, practical
judgment, and recognition of values by choosing the mean over the extreme. In his
view, matter exists to achieve its goal and develops until it reaches its shape. There is a
constant development from matter to form, from potential to real. Thus, primitive
human instinct can be seen as the material from which human potential as a political
being can be realized. Aristotle argued that the polis (city) was a natural growth and
that humans were essentially animals that lived in the polis. The polis made humans
more dependent on themselves and allowed them to reach their highest level of
potential. He believed that purpose of politics was moral, because for him the goal of
the state is a good life and to live a life of virtue and morality.
True freedom consists in ruling and being ruled by turns according to agreed
communal laws. Human beings have free rights and the ability to distinguish the right
from wrong. Aristotle observes that men in their public life outside the home are
exposed to dangerous distractions caused by a disastrous desire for power. The
inevitable desire for power caused many disagreements that led to wars. Only free men
were allowed political status. Thus, women, children, and slaves had little or no
political power.
In comparing the philosophies of these two great ancient thinkers. Although
Aristotle respected his teacher, his philosophy eventually departed from Plato on
important matters. Aristotle also investigated areas of philosophy and fields of science
2
that Plato did not take seriously. According to the conventional view, Plato's
philosophy is abstract and utopian, while Aristotle is empirical, practical, and plausible.
In addition, based on my research, Plato believed that concepts have a universal
form, an ideal form, leading to his idealistic philosophy. Aristotle believed that
universal form is not inherent in every object or concept, and that each instance of an
object or concept must be analyzed on its own. This point of view leads to Aristotelian
empiricism. For Plato, thought experiments and reasoning would be sufficient to
"prove" a concept or establish the qualities of an object, but Aristotle rejected this in
favor of direct observation and experience.
Logically, Plato is more inclined to use inductive reasoning, while Aristotle uses
deductive reasoning. Both Aristotle and Plato believed that thought was superior to the
senses. However, while Plato believed that the senses could deceive a person, Aristotle
held that the senses are necessary to accurately determine reality. An example of this
difference is the allegory of the cave, created by Plato. For him, the world was like a
cave, and only shadows were seen emerging from the light outside, so thought for him
is the only reality. For the Aristotelian method, the obvious solution is to get out of the
cave and experience what emits light and shadow directly, rather than relying solely on
indirect or internal experiences.
With all the evidences and facts stated on the comparison of works and
philosophies between the two philosophers of the ancient times, I must say both of
them is equal in greatness for both their beliefs and philosophies survived and even
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became the basis of the philosophies of the contemporary thinkers. Thus, both deserve
respect!
Finally, the quote that emblazoned in my heart and mind, transcending time and
space, “for a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories,” in which all of us
can contemplate about.

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Reaction Paper on Plato and Aristotle

disappeared into history as a result of the introduction of more progressive scholars,

largely based on the ideas of Plato.

art, religion or science in which he was described as a giant. He is a giant of all

experiences and observations.

exposed to dangerous distractions caused by a disastrous desire for power. The

In comparing the philosophies of these two great ancient thinkers. Although

In addition, based on my research, Plato believed that concepts have a universal

empiricism. For Plato, thought experiments and reasoning would be sufficient to

favor of direct observation and experience.

indirect or internal experiences.

can contemplate about.

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