Philosophy as a science, first of all, sets itself the task of knowing the world. Different philosophers often reformulate this problem; however, the initial essence remains the same. Among other things, the reason is that this question was embedded in philosophy from the very beginning. Even the most famous philosophers of antiquity, including Plato and Aristotle, studied it. However, many of them had their view of the structure of the world. This essay aims to compare and contrast the theories of cognition of reality or metaphysics of Plato and Aristotle.
First of all, it should be noted that although the views of these two philosophers are significantly different, they are in some way dependent on each other. Plato was a teacher for Aristotle, so his work was a starting point for further research and criticism in many ways. This factor, along with others, determines the importance of Plato’s essential work in the context of knowledge of the world – his theory of Ideas or Forms. The philosopher has developed this concept for a long time, and reflections on this topic are found in his various dialogues. Its central idea is Forms — authentic essences outside space and time and are inaccessible for complete understanding by ordinary people (Gracie). According to Plato, objects of the physical world we observe are only a rough semblance of actual Forms. For example, in the dialogue Phaedo, he cites the concept of absolute justice, beauty and kindness (Plato). Although they exist in the world, no one can contemplate them in reality since they are only ideal examples.
Aristotle’s approach was undoubtedly based on the theory of Plato. Despite all the criticism, even in the later works of the philosopher, elements of Platonism were traced. For example, although he rejected the theory of Forms, he continued to use the very concept of form, only giving it a different meaning (Duignan). His further development of this concept led to the emergence of one of the main areas of philosophy – metaphysics. In this collection of books, the philosopher develops the concept of ideas, rejecting the independent existence of forms from specific objects. Instead, according to Aristotle, the forms inherent in an object are closely related to the purpose of the given object, which was given to it by the creator (Aristotle). Thus, the form of an object exists within it and is inextricably linked with it. In this case, the physical shell of the object may not have any meaning. The eyes of various creatures have a different appearances, but the form and purpose are the same – the provision of vision.
The main differences between the metaphysics of Plato and Aristotle are based precisely on the theory of forms. Both philosophers interpreted this concept in different ways, and while Plato understood this concept as an unattainable ideal, Aristotle closely linked the form and purpose of the object. At the same time, the form of Aristotle is not a permanently existing concept: it obtains a connection with the object when it acquires the necessary purpose (Duignan). Although these differences are fundamental, since Plato and Aristotle were in close contact as teachers and students, many intersecting ideas and thoughts exist. Missing elements and gaps can be found in the theories of both philosophers, which are not explained by their statements. However, both thinkers believed that the world has an ultimatum truth that explains everything.
Thus, in the approaches of Plato and Aristotle, there are quite a lot of differences in understanding the world around them. Plato created his theory of Ideas or Forms, understanding a particular eternal essence that explains the basic ideas inaccessible to man. Aristotle rejected this approach, developing a much more mundane concept of the relationship between the form and purpose of an object. However, despite mutual criticism, philosophers agreed in their belief that everything in the world can be explained by some higher design.
Works Cited
Aristotle.Metaphysics. Translated by W. D. Ross. The Internet Classics Archive, Web.
Duignan, Brian. ” Plato and Aristotle: How Do They Differ?”Encyclopædia Britannica, Web.
Gracie, Jade. “Comparing the Similarities and Differences Between Plato and Aristotle.”Owlcation, 2020, Web.
Plato. Phaedo. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. The Internet Classics Archive, Web.