Question

Political science was not an option in the subjects. Why are Plato called an idealist and Aristotle a realist? Explain this by outlining their main ideas. Why did Aristotle support slavery and unequal rights to women?

Answer 1

Plato is called an idealistic because of theory of forms. In his theory of forms he stated that the reality we live in is not the true reality. The true reality lies beyond this physical world. He said there are two realms, one is physical and another is spiritual realm. He proposed that physical realm is the materialistic always changing and imperfect realm and it is just the shadow of spiritual realm where the true reality exists. He called the spiritual realm as realm of forms. Forms meant abstract, perfect, ideals that doesn't change. He believed the true knowledge lies in the realisation of spiritual realm. On the other hand Aristotle, plato's deciple contradicted with his teachers philosophy. Aristotle proposed that what we perceive with our senses is true and not just shadows. According to him true knowledge is to understanding the world we live in. He considered the material world we live in to be the real realm. He considered our world and reality independent of any other conceptual scheme. Therefore Aristotle is called a realist philosopher.

Aristotle considered women inferior to men. In his book politics he States "as regards the sexs, male is by nature superior and the female inferior, the male ruler and the female subject." He proposed that female lacked authority. He believed that female is an incomplete male, a deformity of male. Therefore because of this perspective on female he support unequal rights to women. Aristotle also believed that slavery was a natural thing and humans were naturally born in two types that is slaves and non-slaves. He believed that those born less intelligent or less strong tgan others will eventually get ruled by the stronger ones, as the nature of the world. He supported slavery and argued that it was necessary because it provided leasure that was needed for state's welfare. He said slavery was beneficial for slaves too as it gave them chances to learn from his master's virtuousness and then will be able to upraise himself.