Discussion Question

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1 . What are the major differences between Plato and Aristotle ? Make sure you provide examples

Basically , Plato and Aristotle are highly different in their philosophical beliefs and their various teachings . The main philosophy of Aristotle is to possess virtue in to achieve the ultimate goal which is happiness . In for people to possess virtue , he also believed that everything should be done in moderation only and not too sparse or too excessive . On the other hand , Plato used logic and

dialogue as his main tools together with the aid of mathematics in to arrive with rational conclusions so as to know the universal truth Moreover , Aristotle strongly believed that acts of good must be habituated in to become a virtue while Plato believed that merely knowing what is good is enough to be able to do good even without actually doing it . Another major difference between the two is their beliefs in metaphysics . Plato 's believed that there are higher or ideal forms that can only be acquired through knowledge while Aristotle believed that form and matter are inextricably bound and coexist

2 . Are you a Platonist or an Aristotelian ? Provide specific examples to help illustrate your points

I am basically a Platonist simply because there are more of this teachings that are applicable today than Aristotle such as his theory of the universal ideal forms . For example , when looking for an ideal friend , that person I am searching for must possess the qualities that I desire . However , it is a well-known truth that there is no such thing as perfect ' or ideal ' But since I know what an ideal friend is , I now have a pattern which I will use as a basis as I search for my ideal friend . I may not be able to find that person but I would definitely meet someone close to that , which is like the shadows that Plato described in the Allegory of the Cave . In addition , I know that the both the sky and a pair of blue jeans are both color blue . Although , in reality , they are not of the same color , I somehow have an idea of what blue is because it preexists in my mind

Another reason that I also consider myself as a Platonist is because I do not believe in Aristotle 's idea that by possessing virtue , once can achieve happiness . For me , his belief is too idealistic , although his use of formal logic and scientific methods such as deduction and observation is still applicable today

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