Philosophy

RUNNING HEAD : PLATO AND ARISTOTLE ON THE GOOD

Name

University

Course

Tutor

Date

PLATO AND ARISTOTLE ON THE GOOD

Plato 's theory about the good life is founded on the notion that everything has one use or function which it must be naturally suited for . It is the fulfillment of such a particular function that determines attributes such as beauty , excellence , virtue , and justness . According to this notion , man likewise has such one function of which he is by nature suited for . However , man is a little bit

more complicated than other items such a table or an animal . This is what therefore makes it quite an easy task and an issue of much debate to figure out man 's proper function . According to Plato , it is the nature that dictates man 's function (O 'Connell , 1997 , pp . 99

Categorically , this is an implication that Plato saw man 's function , and consequently the ultimate good as objective . That is , there is no subjectivism or relativism involved , and every man has no position of deciding his function for himself . Rather , Plato thinks that there is a universal function that is dictated by nature , and which is common for all individuals in all situations and circumstances

In pursuit for the good , Plato argues in the Republic that living justly and achieve harmony and a unity state are the only proper man 's function or proper use . Each of the man 's several different parts , have different appetites , goals , and aims . Aristotle identifies...