Plato and Aristotle Notes

~Plato was Aristotle's teacher

~Socrates taught Plato

~Plato:

-428-347 BCE

-came from wealthy family, born in Athens

-disciple of Socrates, present at Socrates execution

-started his own school- The Academy

-Plato thought people with "filters" were better than those without

-came up with the ideas of Atlantis and Hell

-thinks people are close minded, and that they should think outside the box

-thought the brain consisted of desire, spiritual and the rational part

-he thought upper class should rule the lower class

-Plato thought your status should be based on your education

~Aristotle:

-387-322 BCE

-not as wealthy as Plato, but still had wealth

-more of a scientist

-moved to Athens at 17 years, went to the Academy

-left Athens and went to Asia Minor, married King Hermius's niece

-moved to Pala, became King Philips advisor (the Macedonian Emperor)

-went back to Athens, tutored Alexander the Great

-started his own school, called Lyceum

-was more casual than Academy, a "walking school"

-wondered why we are here

-believed people had to work for intelligence

-first to think universe centered around the earth

-first to think of earth, air, fire and water as elements

-thought soul and body were the same thing

EXAMPLES:

~Plato had the belief that those in upper classes should rule those below them. He was born into a wealthy family, so he was always in the upper class himself. Therefore, he would be giving himself the advantage by ruling all of those below him.

~Aristotle had believed that there was a need for social classes, with those who are wealthy choosing the leaders. He himself was considered wealthy, and therefore, he was saying that he and those like him should be in charge of their societies, not the poor, lower class.