Plato vs. Aristotle

Read this summary of Plato and Aristotle; then answer the questions! (sorry
the pictures and bold headings didn't copy(


Comparison of Plato and Aristotle's Political Theories

Plato is regarded by many experts as the first writer of
political philosophy, and Aristotle is recognized as the
first political scientist. These two men were great
thinkers.

The main focus of Plato is a perfect society. He creates a
blueprint for a utopian society, in his book The Republic,
out of his disdain for the tension of political life
(Hacker, 24). Essentially what Plato wants to achieve is a
perfect society.

Aristotle, unlike Plato, is not concerned with perfecting
society. He just wants to improve on the existing one.
76). Aristotle discovers that the best possible has already
been obtained ( All that can be done is to try
to improve on the existing one.

Plato's utopia consists of three distinct, non-hereditary
class systems (Hacker 32). The Guardians are
higher level ruling is the society's policy makers ( Hacker 32). Auxilaries are soldiers and minor civil servants (Hacker 32). Finally the
Workers, are composed of farmers and artisans, most
commonly unskilled laborers (Hacker 32). The Guardians are to be wise and good rulers. The guardians are to be
placed in a position in which they are absolute rulers.
They are supposed to be the select few who know what is
best for society (Hacker 33).

Aristotle disagrees with the idea of one class holding
political power (Hacker 85). The failure to
allow circulation between classes excludes those men who
may be ambitious, and wise, but are not in the right class
of society to hold any type of political power (Hacker 85).
Aristotle looks upon this ruling class system as an
ill-conceived political structure (Hacker 86).

There is so much of Plato's utopia that
is undefined and it is carried to extremes that no human
being could ever fulfill its requirements (Hacker 81).
Aristotle believes that Plato is underestimating the
Necessary good changes in human character and personality that
would have to take place in order to achieve his utopia
(Hacker 81).


The polis or city was set up to allow
political participation on the part of the average citizen
(Hacker 80). This contradicts Plato's theory of one ruling
class controlling the political power and all decisions
that effect the entire society. Hacker 92).
Aristotle said, "The people at large should be sovereign
rather than the few best" (Hacker 92). Plato would never
allow the full public participation in government as
Aristotle would like. According to Plato public judgments
of approval and disapproval are based on belief and not on
knowledge (Hacker 59).

Plato thinks that is a revolution were to take place it
would be a palace revolution (Hacker 64). A palace
revolution occurs when there is a power transfer from one
power holder to someone else. Aristotle sees the cause of
revolutions originating with either the rich or the poor. If there are
too many unhappy poor workers there is the source of revolution.
(Hacker 102). Plato thinks that in a utopia a disgruntled group of Guardians
will emerge and break from the rules (Hacker 63). He thinks
that in an Guardian class two things may happen to spark a
revolution: the first being the ruler and their offspring
grow to be weak rulers and too sympathetic, the second is
that the number of poor grows larger and suffer
exploitation at the hands of those in power over them

Aristotle helped to developed some democratic ideas. In
conclusion these men were great thinkers. They were thinking
about how to run a city or country long before The United States
existed!! Our democracy is based on their early ideas.

Q. Describe Plato's 'utopia'.
Q. Describe Aristotle's idea for a democracy for all citizens, not
just the rulers.
Q. Compare their ideas about the cause of a revolution.
q. Would you rather live in Plato's utopia? Or, Aristotle's vision
of a democracy?