Plato vs Aristotle
The differences between Plato and Aristotle can be explored through their concepts, with Plato and Aristotle being two great thinkers and philosophers who differed in their explanations of their philosophical concepts. Despite Aristotle being a student of Plato, the two had differing views on various matters. Plato placed more importance on the issue of knowledge, believing that ideas exist not only within human consciousness but also outside of it. His ideas are subjective. Aristotle, on the other hand, emphasized the supremacy of observation and the establishment of reality, with his ideas being not subjective.
Key Takeaways
- Plato believed in the existence of universal forms and that reasoning and thought experiments were enough to prove a concept, while Aristotle believed that every concept or object should be studied individually through direct observation and experience.
- Aristotle believed that knowing good was not enough to be good, and one had to practice good to be good, whereas Plato believed that knowing good was equal to doing good.
- Aristotle made greater contributions to science than Plato, as most of his ideas were practical, whereas many of Plato’s ideas were theoretical and not practical.
Who is Aristotle?
Aristotle was not an idealist in his philosophy, as he did not believe in universal forms. Instead, he believed that every concept or object should be studied individually to understand them, relying on direct observation and experience to prove a concept. Substance is the most crucial of the ten categories according to Aristotle, with the primary substance being the individual thing. Aristotle also tried to develop a universal method of reasoning and aimed to learn everything about reality. He believed that human beings have specific functions related to their roles in society and that knowing good was not enough to be good – one must practice good to be good.
Who is Plato?
Plato was a perfect idealist in his philosophy, believing that every concept had an ideal or universal form. Thus, reasoning and thought experiments were enough for him to prove a concept. He set out a scheme to describe particular things by identifying them according to their characteristics and properties and did not accept Aristotle’s view of human function. He believed that knowing good was equal to doing good, and if a person knows the right thing, they will automatically do the right thing, an idea not considered very practical.
What is the difference between Plato and Aristotle?
Some of the main differences between Plato and Aristotle include:
• Birth:
• Plato is believed to have been born in 428/427 or 424/423 BCE.
• Aristotle was born in 384 BC.
• Death:
• Plato is believed to have died in 348/347 BCE.
• Aristotle died in 322 BC.
• Subjectivity:
• Plato’s ideas were subjective.
• Aristotle’s ideas were not subjective.
• Work:
• Plato’s work has survived over the years.
• However, about 80% of Aristotle’s work has gone missing over the years.
• Beliefs:
• Plato was idealistic because he believed that every concept had an ideal or a universal form.
• Aristotle did not believe in a universal form. He thought every concept or object should be studied individually to understand them.
• Proving a Concept:
• Reasoning and thought experiments were enough for Plato to prove a concept.
• Aristotle wanted direct observation and experience to prove a concept.
• Being Good:
• Plato believed that knowing good was equal to doing good. He said that if a person knows the right thing, that will automatically lead him to do the right thing.
• Aristotle believed that knowing good was not enough to be good. He believed that one had to practice good if one is to be good.
• Scientific Contribution:
• Plato has not much contributed to science as most of his ideas were only theories and not practical.
• Aristotle has contributed greatly to science. He is known as one true scientist in the past.
Overall, although Aristotle was a student of Plato, he has contributed more to the world as most of his ideas were practical.
