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Essay / Distinctions and comparisons between Aristotle and Plato
The ideas introduced by Plato on the theory of forms were deduced and criticized by Aristotle. The two philosophers can be seen as having opposing ideologies. Nevertheless, Plato and Aristotle agreed on certain factors of their philosophy. Many have examined and compared the dissimilarities and similarities between Aristotle's doctrine of categories and Plato's theory of forms. The observations found are interesting. The beauty of Plato's writings is that it does not accept what is interpreted by the senses. In Plato's Theory of Forms, Plato explains the immaterial world as the realm containing the perfect form of objects and ideas presented on Earth. For example, the idea of justice is inadequate on Earth, but in an alternate universe, the idea of justice is in its perfect form. Comparing living things, Plato would describe the object he considered in the physical world as an idea or an imperfect form. of the object he studies. If Plato were to observe a tree in the physical realm, he would add "character" to an object to let it be known that the tree he saw before him participates in the form of a tree and is only a sketch of an ideal tree. Aristotle disagreed with Plato's ideology that an immaterial world and an invisible world is not seen by the human eye. Aristotle's system of logical explanations against Plato's theory of forms was developed from observations of the physical world. Aristotle, unlike Plato, trusted the senses as a tool to judge reality. He found Plato's theory of forms defective, because he believed that true reality contained concrete objects that were perceived by the senses. To oppose Plato's theory, Aristotle created his doctrine of categories. The doctrine of categories...... middle of paper ...... closed-minded so as not to observe the immaterial world. Aristotle perceived with his senses, unlike Plato. It is the norm for humanity today to value the senses and not distrust them. I have always been skeptical of my senses, and because of my distrust of sensory experiences, I find Plato to be a superior critic of reality. The ideas formulated by Aristotle and Plato about reality are found throughout Western culture. The most prominent reflection on reality in today's thriving Western society was that presented by Aristotle. Many scientists today believe that death is the end of the soul which is linked to the body (an Aristotelian perspective). Plato's view of reality is still debated today, but Aristotle impressed his ideas on the Western mind more skillfully than Plato. Nevertheless, Plato is a famous figure in the philosophical world..