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

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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.