Savannah Alldaffer - Philosophy 101 Reverend Dugan - Compare and Contrast Aristotle and Plato - 03/21/16
Plato and Aristotle were two similar but also unique people. They had similar beliefs, but they also had their own
conflicting beliefs. Some of the ways in which the two differed can be expressed through their views on philosophy, ethics,
politics and science. Aristotle, although he studied under Plato, he followed what he believed was right, and what he
believed would bring the most influential and reasonable answers. These two philosophers, although they were different,
were able to stand up for what they believed and continued to search for more knowledge on the subjects. They may not
have been interested in the same categories of study, but they managed to similarly find answers.
The differences between Plato and Aristotle range from every aspect of their lives. Aristotle was more interested in
politics, metaphysics, science, logic and ethics. While his teacher, Plato was more interested in rhetoric, art, literature,
epistemology, justice and virtue along with politics, education, family and militarism. In regard to their views on philosophy;
Aristotle was more inclined to use Deductive Reasoning, while Plato preferred Inductive Reasoning. Deductive reasoning is
a logical process of finding a conclusion; most of the time it can be referred to as top-down logic. Plato, believed in its
counterpart, Inductive reasoning. This form of reasoning is somewhat the same logical process in which multiple premises,
all to be believed true or can be found true. This process is also known as the top-up logic. Ethically, the differences
between the two men grew. Aristotle believed that senses were needed to properly determine reality while Plato thought
otherwise. Plato believed that senses could be altered in which then they can be used to fool a person. Their views on
wisdom also differed from each other. While Aristotle and Plato believed that wisdom was virtuous; Aristotle thought about
it as a deeper meaning. He viewed it as when one achieves the said virtue, whether it is Wisdom or any of the other core
virtues. He explained that even though one can achieve wisdom, it does not automatically grant them a pardon, to a
pathway to the other virtues. Wisdom is referenced to as a goal, achieved only after one puts forth effort. Unless the
person in search of wisdom, also chooses to think and act wisely, then all the other virtues are merely out of reach. Plato
thought of wisdom in a simpler manner; believing that it was a basic virtue and once wisdom is achieved, then the other
virtues follow as a whole. Aristotle was a man of many talents, and is referred to as the first true scientist since he was the
first to create an early version of what is now called the scientific method. Aristotle’s epistemology differed from Plato’s in
the way in which he believed that the universe is a group of things, while Plato believed that the universe existed separate
from the group of things.
Plato and Aristotle may have had many differences when details would be provided, but on the surface, they shared
opinions. For example, on the surface they both believed that a person’s soul could in fact, exist independently aside from
the body. This was not the only thing they shared either, they both based their theories on similar beliefs. These beliefs
were known to regard knowledge of what is real, world experiences, and knowledge of what is fixed and what can be
altered. The two share the belief that to achieve a good life, known as eudemonia, you must be successful. They both
have their own theory of morality, and they share many characteristics. The two believe that every action is aimed towards
an end result, the ultimate end purpose in life is merely happiness, and the only way to achieve happiness is by exercising a
reason. These men not only taught those who they came in contact with on a daily basis, but took it a step further into
building their own schools. Plato studied at The Academy, founded around 428 to 427 BC, he studied there for about 20
years before he founded his own school, naming it Lyceum. Aristotle followed through the schooling of Lyceum thanks to
his original teacher Plato.
Personally, I side with Aristotle's' views on the world. I agree with his opinions referring to the fact that although one
might have gained wisdom, but it does not guarantee any of the other virtues. I prefer his use of deductive reasoning rather
than inductive reasoning; used by Plato. Deductive reasoning refers to using logic to find a conclusion. The conclusions
found, are more viable, reasonable, and simply more accurate in my opinion.
Plato and Aristotle were two of the most recognized men of the Hellenistic era. Together, they helped others
determine the meanings of life and living, and how to achieve happiness. These men, along with many others not
mentioned in this excerpt, helped establish morals and virtues. Their differences in beliefs regarding their difference in
interests, really separated the two in other ways besides those categories. Since Aristotle was more intrigued by politics,
metaphysics, science, logic and ethics; and Plato was more interested in rhetoric, art, literature, epistemology, justice and
virtue along with politics, education, family and militarism; then the two, although taught in similar processes, discovered
many different ways to explain the universe.