Point one : The Theory of Ideas

The first and main bone of contention was the perception of the world. Plato believed that behind
the world of the senses and of Matter was another reality , which he called " World of Ideas " . In this
world there are molds , causes, patterns of all things and phenomena that we perceive through the
senses around us .

All are made based on a timeless form, eternal and remain constant despite changes time brings to
everything. These timeless styles seem to be the primary elements of nature , like mentally and
abstract shapes that form natural phenomena and their number is specific.

Aristotle for his part had completely opposite view . That Plato was knocked over reality. Agree that
the physical world is governed by variability , transience and decay. But the "ideas" of Plato him are
not the primary forms of things , but it is a construct of human reason , which is created through the
experience. That is our idea of the horse formed by our logic , as we have seen in nature compares a
large number of horses and we have come to those features that are common to all, beyond their
differences .

This set of common features is the idea or 'form' , as he called Aristotle , which has not existed in a
special world , but occurs in katheti.Gia Plato the supreme reality is the world of ideas and
archetypes.

For Aristotle is the highest reality in what we perceive with our senses . For Plato everything we see
around us are reflections of other things that exist in the world of ideas - and thus also in the soul of
man. For Aristotle that exists in the soul of man are reflections of things and objects of the natural
world .

Point Two: The Political

Another important point of disagreement between the two philosophers is their vision for what is
the best way ( polity ) governance of a state. Aristotle's work in "Politics" and Plato's " Republic"
expressed their political positions with several common but different concepts .

Plato speaks of the ideal state , which is ideal because it is governed by the constitution of the "
aristocracy ", that is governed by a set of people that stand for wisdom , knowledge , virtue , justice
and governance capacity of each politon.O citizen within it has an important position , which is
consistent with the nature , skills and work undertaken to offer depending on the inclinations .

So it may belong to the class of rulers ( rulers ) in the class of guards - warriors ( defenders of the
safety of the city from attacks ) and the class of farmers , merchants , artisans (those that ensure the
resources needed by the city to keep alive and survive ) .

The classes are more symbolic than real , and not formed on the basis of socio / economic or
professional criteria . Associated with the four elements ( earth , water , air, fire ) , corresponding to
characteristics of human nature . So , every citizen belonged to one of these classes in accordance
with the specific traits and depending on the training needed to get in order to cultivate character ,
spirit and generally his inner world .

According to Aristotle , the citizens are divided on the basis of economic criteria in classes of farmers
, artisans and merchants , while socially divided into poor and rich medium . From the relationship
they have between them the poor and the rich will shape the form of government .

The poor are usually more than the rich. Depending on how the power is shared and where it is
concentrated , and determined the kind of government , which may have three forms: monarchy or
kingdom (one rule ) , aristocracy ( rule few ) and democracy ( rule many ) .

To avoid degenerate and deteriorate these state forms into tyranny , oligarchy and mob rule ,
respectively , should be the purpose of incipient is the common good and not the interests of one or
a few . The preference of Aristotle turns to the "Middle State" , ie to what we understand today as a
democratic polity , where the middle class ensures a balance between the poor and the rich and
keeps the center of gravity in the middle of the conflict between them .

Point Three: The image of women

Another point of differentiation between the two giants are their views on women . The position that
Plato gives to it in the state is equal to that of man. He believed that women can govern as well as
men , because the wisdom , logic, valor , virtue is not a matter of gender, but the soul , training and
education .

He stressed that a state that does not give education to women , " like the man who does not
exercise and not trains but only his right hand" ( The World of Wisdom , J. Gaarder). Unlike Aristotle
considers the woman subordinate husband as he believes that in relation to this something is missing
and that is an " imperfect man" .

In the process of reproduction , because the woman has a passive role ( accept ) and an energetic
man ( gives ) , the child inherits only the properties of the husband (which as we know is not the case
today ) . 's Image and endorsement of Aristotle women adopted in the Middle Ages , where the
woman was downgraded , it was a source of evil and wicked and confined to the reproductive role
only .

Despite the disagreements that exist between Plato and Aristotle , it is important to stress that we
encounter and ' agreements' , ie common points . Both talk about the soul and its significance for
humans , both emphasize that happiness is synonymous with virtue and high values and ideals , both
remind us that the purpose of a State should be good and the cultivation of all citizens.

But surely we find that both the wise Plato and Aristotle logical give many useful and important
answers to questions and concerns of today , so it can be both modern and timeless .






The State through Plato and Aristotle
1. introduction

In this paper we will examine and compare the two different political philosophies of classical
antiquity. The first part will examine the ideal state of Plato as presented in the " State" . The second
part refers to Aristotle's political theory based on the "Politics" . Then you try to make a comparison
of the basic elements of these two theories and methods used in the two philosophers . Finally , we
will examine how key aspects of each theory also in the way that Plato and Aristotle analyze and
judge the various regimes .

2 . The ideal state of Plato

Plato starts creating his mind an ideal state which is the main reason for the existence of bliss .
Not the bliss of each individual or a class bliss , but the bliss of the entire city as a whole , he says
through the words of Socrates :

themelionome ... but when our state not apovlepome what will a separate
single class happy, but , as much as possible , the entire poli1 .

Attribute this ideal state is the lack of equality . Plato divides the citizens into three classes: the
guards , their assistant and their authors, which have different education and upbringing and live
completely different lives . The creators are the largest numeric part of society and have the most
normal - for today - life as they have family and property . Keepers like docents do not have these
rights . The docents are philosophers - masters and keepers help pilots and form the protective
power of the state.
As this separation is absolute - the politically crucial distinction is between those who govern and
those governed - the creators are not free to claim any political power . Characteristic is also the
separation of power and wealth : classes held political power have no right of ownership. This
absolute inequality in rights and lifestyle of each class raises the question posed by Adeimantos for
the guards , but applies to any class : ie whether each class can be happy with the restrictions placed
on freedom.
On this occasion the question , Plato , starting from the fine mesh transport the statue , defines
an aspect of justice -ideal state :

... nafinome in each class napolavaini merdiko the bliss which holds
By nature of its kind.

The other side of justice to the work of each class. Justice in Plato's Republic means that each
class performs the work corresponds in the best possible way . Plato leads to this conclusion starting
from the assumption that the state speaks of teleos agathin einai9 . Therefore , it should be within it
are the four virtues : wisdom , courage , wisdom and justice .
Locates So wisdom as the science that hold the rulers and enable them to judge correctly. Sets
prowess as the ability of guards to always maintain proper opinion about the laws and the terrible
things or not . The wisdom is there in the state as the harmony that allows the existence of
consensus among the ranks about who should have the power . What remains to complete the ideal
state , can not be other than justice . However, as has already been reported and repeated here , a
key component of the state is to make everyone in this profession which by its nature is intended to
do.

So , if we accept that each class has its own virtue, namely the creators are wise , brave guards
and wise rulers , justice (which relates to
Virtue three grades ) is equivalent to the knowledge of each class of position in the
state and its functions .
Plato uses an analogy with the psychology of each person to illustrate his arguments . Corresponding
to the three orders of the state , there are three parts of the soul of man : to be desired, the spirited
and accounting . Plato uses these parallels for pedagogical reasons : as a righteous man in the three
parts of the soul are in harmony , so in a fair state there is harmony between the three classes.
Education has an important place in the foundation of the state of Plato. Education and
upbringing will create people who will be able to discern what is good and what is bad, so much so
that the legislation , oral or written, entering second. Through education becomes apparent
inclination of each person and it is based and the classification classes . The importance given by
Plato in education is easily understood if we examine the role played by knowledge in the cohesion
of the state. The ability of governors to correctly judge the wisdom , called directly from Plato science
. But two other virtues , prudence and valor , essentially consist in knowledge and good judgment .
The justice is defined as the individual's self-awareness of what is capable of doing better.
Although then you have come to be described as ideal state of Plato as a society where absolute
power Scientists have sages seems that it could work if not all citizens was a concept scientists .
Beyond the questions arising from other areas of the " State" and having to do with how the practical
application of the proposals Platona18 , backgrounds whole mental construction of Plato is none
other than the knowledge, which is a precondition back each feature of society. Let's not overlook
the fact that an ideal , fair state , can only be composed of ideal , righteous people .

Three . The view of Aristotle

Aristotle in the first book of "policies" begins by questioning the view of Plato that the difference
between the power of the owner, the family man and the politician is not in the number of
subordinate , but in something else . Employing the method of analysis of the issue until the
indivisible molecules . It begins thus examines the creation and nature of the city by its components ,
ie without having to determine in advance how it should be this city .
The political views of Aristotle based on more general metaphysical or moral theories . According
to Ross, Aristotle assumes the identity of nature of a thing with the purpose for which it seeks . So
begins the union of male and female for the purpose of procreation and the relationship of this
dominating and dominated this (meaning the owner and the slave ) to the common salvation . Thus
establish the basic social unit , the family, consisting of husband , wife and servant (or ox for the poor
) .
Since then, that nature has set the destination of the woman and her servant ,
family there naturally . The permanent union most families is the small town , which has to satisfy
several needs which Aristotle does not name .
The family and the hamlet as social units serve the purpose of living. But do not cover the ancient
concept of bliss , which is here looking like Plato . Aristotle in " Nicomachean Ethics " defines
happiness as the end ( purpose) that is itself a stalker , which is complete ie without requiring the
achievement of another goal or a means to another end . The city is the ultimate purpose of
existence of the family and of the town . Its own not only to self-sufficiency and provide necessary ,
but something more , satisfaction of the desire for well-being , which includes moral and spiritual
activity . This moral and spiritual activity is according to Aristotle exclusive human trait and is due to
the gift of speech . The human ability to stand out the good from the bad and the communication
through words creates family and city. Therefore , and as the nature Estin end , the city 's nature and
man is by nature a social being . The
even that man can not live in society , or are self-sufficient to be able to live outside it , for Aristotle is
not man but beast or a god , as long as they do not share the same objective existence with humans.

Aristotle thus establish the nature of the city , but from the beginning to define how it should be
the ideal city . Describes the working principle of the city as a natural creature . Based on these
principles , namely the structure of the city from smaller units and the necessary presence of purpose
in everything ( the good being defined as the purpose of onton32 ) , Aristotle proceeds to examine
specific issues. Examines slavery starting power relationships between members of the basic social
unit , the family. The nature of each of the properties used as an argument to establish the views of
Aristotle.
The purpose here and identify the nature of each. The purpose determines the distinction between
moral and non- moral analysis that makes Aristotle on the subject of wealth. The acquisition of the
necessary life goods is natural for Aristotle , while trade and usury unnatural and reprehensible . The
purpose here is the criterion that distinguishes the moral from immoral .

4. Similarities and differences

Aristotle and Plato lived about the same abstinence and were related student and teacher .
So as you vary the Aristotle's political theory than the
Plato , there are commonalities . Aristotle questioned the theory of ideas
Plato , but the influence of the teacher to the student and their common culture
becomes evident when comparing their works .
The concept of happiness is looking in both theories . Plato seeks to bliss city as a whole and in
bliss each class according to its nature. Aristotle believes that the purpose of the existence of the city
is not only the living but fair zin37 . Both Aristotle and Plato consider the city as a whole, as a
community . But the logical path followed is different. Plato defines the ideal state (assuming that is
possible ) and then tries to outline how this will leitourgouse38 . Aristotle instead uses a
predominantly inductive method and starting from the existent , essential constituents of a society (
as a family) trying to synthesize and describe the ideal state. Thus Aristotle starts from reality to find
the ideal, while Plato starts from ideal and at least the fourth book of the " Republic" does not
particularly concerned whether this ideal is feasible .

If the theory of Aristotle dominated the idea of the purpose of determining the existence of the city
, in another sense Plato is pervasive in theory : education . Aristotle education is a means to prepare
citizens moral goods. Plato , however, education is a dominant element of the functioning of the
ideal state . Without education , which will enable everyone (and in the state as a whole) to
determine the class for which it is intended, the entire edifice of the state of Plato collapses .
Education is what supports the
conceptual construction of Plato. Even the absolute ideal justice (and the other three virtues ) ,
implies according to Plato the existence of education . The
education will allow the existence of ideal citizens who will be members of the Platonic state .
Let us note here another common element : the requirement in both theories of moral virtue, both
princes and of other citizens . Aristotle certainly detect a qualitative difference between the virtue of
the ruler and the incipient , unlike Plato identified three different virtues
classes. These divisions are not confined to the social level .
Both philosophers distinguish a division psychological level which reflects the basic ideas of their
political theory. For Aristotle , the soul consists of two different parts: the Archons and the incipient
respectively the components of social units to consider. For Plato , the parts of the soul are three ,
respectively, of the three grades of the ideal state . The balanced even function
these three elements are so important for a righteous man , however important
is the balanced operation of the three grades for a just society .
Aristotle and Plato denies the issue of power as science . The
Plato considers the ability of exousiazein as a kind of science ( based again
the ubiquitous idea of education ) , which hold all those who have some
power , thus equating the various powers between them . Aristotle disagrees
explicitly with this simulation and separates kinds of power , challenging the
characterization of power as science .

Finally , we should mention an important critique of Aristotle to Plato which is a breaking point ,
despite the importance that both the citizen : Aristotle disagrees with the full consolidation of the
city , as suggested by Plato , giving more importance individuality : but it is obvious that as the city
develops and integrates both cease to be the town, after the nature of the city are many . Aristotle
argues in favor of the above view as based on the benefits of diversity , but also with more technical
arguments linking self-sufficiency as good with the figure.

5. the regimes

Plato starts from the observation that as long as the constitution of the ideal state is excellent, the
rest of government must necessarily be defective . Distinguishes four such regimes : the Timocracy ,
the oligarchy , the
democracy and tyranny . Indeed corresponds continuing psychological treatment , a type of human
in each of the five regimes . These regimes are classified merit . The transition from aristocracy ( ie
the ideal state where the rule excellent ) to the next , the Timocracy , due to wear on the subject the
ideal state , as every living
organization. This change , wear , expressed as an imbalance in the expression of a
of the three components of the soul , the spirited .

Comparing the transition from aristocracy to Timocracy the transition from one generation to
another , Plato emphasizes again the importance of education . The effect of the advice it receives
and what he sees as a new character that represents the regime of Timocracy essentially that
education leads him to become what it is .
In the same way Plato examines one by one the rest of government , until the worst of all tyranny ,
noting the gradual decline of virtue and justice in each lower regime. Fails in any case
identified and the individual deviations from the ideal state : lack of education ,
the imbalance between the parts of the soul , taking mismatched tasks .

Aristotle , as in search of his ideal state , starts around: from the existing regimes . Separated into
two groups of three , the normal and the digressions . Criterion for this separation is the purpose of
existence of the city, is the common interest of politon55 . So regardless if you hold power one , few
or many , the regime is right if exousiaaskeitai with the common interest . But if the power is
exercised for the benefit of those who practice it , then it is a digression from the right regime. Thus
Aristotle defines power as one of the regime 's reign and digression of this tyranny , the power of a
few as the constitution of the aristocracy and oligarchy this digression and power of many as the
regime that calls this digression state and democracy .
As for which of the three constitutions are naturally better, Aristotle , on the basis of virtue, tends
to power many of the regime that he calls the state. His argument is that even though many people
as no better than a few, as a whole is likely to be better.