In what respects do the ethical theories of Plato and Aristotle stand in sharp contrast? In what respects are they alike?

Human nature is a nature of reason , not strictly recognizing passion or feelings . Morality then , becomes the beginning point of this nature Morality is reason . This is not to say that Plato was an ascetic he placed passion , and feelings in his philosophy but the ethics of humanity are tied into the good of a person because reasonably , being virtuous , or good , led a person to being happy (eudemonism

Anything else that a person may be presented with and made to make a choice , that choice should be found within virtue . Whatever else

is chosen by free will should only serve to make that person virtuous

Plato was a man filled with faith in human nature . Plato 's philosophy of human nature doing evil was that a person only does evil in ignorance , for he believed everyone , just as himself wants only what is good . The source of someone doing evil is brought about by unlimited desire (ego . Something that goes unchecked becomes possessive of that person and they in turn want , and want , without satiation . This is when the appetitive part of the soul (the part of the soul that wants sex food , etc ) overtakes the rational (part seeking truth , and reason ) of the soul resulting in moral weakness , or akrasia

It is not then self-interest that leads a person to happiness , and there is a definite balance between the granting of each part of the soul guided by reason , and asceticism . Plato was a not a Sophist Without the guidance of moral reason then a state of chaos would begin making the world an everyman for himself

Morality must then be shown as adhering to individual interests . Plato did not agree with the type of hedonism exhibited by the Sophists , who thought human nature was an extension of the animal world . Instead Plato states that the nature of man is reason and in this reason exists an organized society constructed by reason

Happiness for the rational man then comes into being by governing their more base , animal , desires , which are irrational . This morality is extended into the realm of society because of human interaction Therefore , if a man is to be the pinnacle of reason , and morality , and happiness , then the society that he lives and associates must then also exhibit such a moral thought . If then a society is blinded by hedonism or pure desire of self , a man in that society has no hope for personal happiness because of lack of morality , reason , and thus fully succumbing to akrasia

Plato is a firm believer in man not adhering to the masses opinion but staying true to one singular person , a person of wisdom , and as Plato states through Socrates , And he ought to live and train , and eat and drink in the way which seems good to his single master who has understanding , rather than according to the opinion of all other men put together ' Plato 's basic rhetoric involves the golden rule of do unto...