Analysis of Aristotle and Plato's Thoughts

Philosophers are all known for questioning and exploring Ideals; taking a look at all options and what is most important. While Aristotle and Plato both take a plunge into the unknowns of a political state, Aristotle demonstrates a state for individuals, to rule as equals, contrary to Plato’s strict utopian structure and group over individual hierarchy view of the ideal state.

Plato’s ideal state is strictly structured through a utopian ideal. Everything within Plato’s ideal state has a place and purpose, and everyone within it is aware of that. While the state works for the people as a whole instead of individual, Plato also proposes the idea of propaganda to mold even the lowest of his utopia into model citizens for the state. Plato’s state is the essence of perfection, with a goal to make everyone reach their true potential.

Aristotle views the state as an individual outlet. The ideal state works to achieve individual happiness. There is no ideal structure to the state; instead politics changes on what they best suit the state. Aristotle’s ideal doesn’t have one complete ruler or system. The ideal is ruling between people in a rotation so that every male gets a chance to rule.

Aristotle and Plato both view the state as a basic necessity for humans; however the purpose of the state varies from Aristotle’s to Plato’s ideologies. Within Aristotle’s ideal state “the true purpose of government is to enable its citizen to live the full and happy life,” (“The Man” 32), the best government for Aristotle is one that allows individualism among its citizens, rather than rule in favor of the majority. In Plato’s view “A just state […] is achieved in a situation in which everyone knows one’s own job, where...

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... educated to become the best in the state. Aristotle’s ideal state only consists of free men, who choose a government to suit the personalized state, however, Plato structures the ideal state down to the last detail.

While both Aristotle and Plato have ideas about the ideal state, the fluidity of Aristotle ideal state is more attainable than the improbable perfection of Plato’s utopia. Plato’s ideal takes governing over people to the extreme of raising perfect leaders. Aristotle instead plans out the ideal state as one not so far from the current. Aristotle’s state shares more similarities to the current states of the time. Aristotle give a more rational solution to the ideal state through a philosophers eyes even while keeping things balanced

Works Cited

Republic, VII, 193

(“The Man” 32)

(“Plato Bio” 21)

(“Ideal” 54)

(Politics 1)

(“Historical” 68)