Discussion Forum Unit 4 Intro to Philosophy

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Discussion Forum Unit 4 Contrast Plato with Aristotle and decide whom you agree with more (and why) Plato and Aristotle were two most influential thinkers of the Western Philosophy. Plato lived during 428-347 BCE, while Aristotle lived from 384-322 BCE. (Duignan, 2018). Aristotle was Plato’s student and colleague at the Athens Academy. Although Aristotle was a follower of Plato and did believe in some of his teachings, he still criticized some of the theories and teachings of Plato. The most important difference between Aristotle and Plato was in their theories of forms. Plato believed that forms are abstract objects existing completely outside space and time. One can know them through mind or imagination but not through sensual experience. Aristotle on the other hand believed that forms do not exist independently of things, but every form is a form of something. (Duignan, 2018). A substantial form is attributed to a thing without which the thing would be a different kind or just cease to exist. Plato’s philosophy is abstract and utopian while Aristotle’s philosophy is empirical, practical, and commonsensical. Plato’s writings were based on morality, virtue, and ethics, while Aristotle’s works were based on religion and science. (Duignan, 2018). Another difference would be that Aristotle believed that senses are essential to determine reality, while Plato believed senses would fool a person and one should only rely on direct experiences. I agree with Aristotle because senses are required to determine reality and one cannot just rely on imagination. Likewise, every individual of the society has the ability and intellectual power to govern and not just the monarchs. Evaluate Saint Thomas Aquinas’ view of the root of good society. Saint Thomas Aquinas was known for his theory of Natural and External Laws that govern a society. He reconciled the political philosophy in Aristotle’s doctrine. Aquinas states that nature is organized for good societal purpose. His writings combined reason and faith. Human beings are the only creatures of God who use reason to lead their lives. He insisted on creating a good-rooted society suitable for all member of the society. He observed that people tend to look after their own self interest and hence need a governing power to direct them towards a common good. His common good included protecting life, preserving state, and promoting peace. (Constitutional Rights Foundation, 2006). The governing power should create laws that allow society

members to take part freely and contribute positively. Laws should be consistent with human nature that God has provided. References: Constitutional Rights Foundation. (2006). Bria 22 4 C St. Thomas Aquinas Natural Law and the common good . Constitutional Rights Foundation. https://www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-rights-in- action/bria-22-4-c-st-thomas-aquinas-natural-law-and-the-common-good Duignan, B. (2018, February 14). Plato and Aristotle: How Do They Differ?. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/plato-and-aristotle-how-do-they- differ

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