Read part 1 here: https://jb-talks.com/plato-or-aristotle-the-great-debate-of-western-philosophy/
Part 2 – Aristotle
In part one of this article we looked at the influence of Plato. The way in which he both pioneered and, to this day, encapsulates a way of thinking which aims philosophy at the abstract, at the purely rationalistic. A view which places knowledge in a realm of disembodied concepts and perfect forms. Now we turn to Plato’s student and one of his most ardent intellectual opponents, Aristotle.
A figure whose influence can truly never be understated, Aristotle can be largely accredited with formalising the logical and linguistic structure of western philosophy. Indeed, it took until the mathematical advancements of the 19th century to build, in a significant way, upon the foundation of logic Aristotle laid down millennia prior. Although, again, it is difficult to give an accurate account of someone’s life who lived in 300BC, it is understood that Aristotle came at philosophy from a scientific, biological perspective, and used this grounding in the facts of the physical world to inform and direct his approach to the world.
Continue reading “Plato or Aristotle – The Great Debate Of Western Philosophy: Part 2”