Aristotle’s Criticism of Plato. Explained

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Aristotle’s political philosophy was both a critique and a corrective of Plato’s ideas. While Plato was an idealist and a radical, Aristotle was a pragmatist and a moderate. As opposed to Plato’s radical reforms in The Republic, Aristotle sought to conserve and preserve the existing traditions and institutions.

ON PLATO’S IDEAL STATE

Plat’s ideal state was characterised by excessive regimentation with a focus on only the highest good. Aristotle argued that the State was essentially a plural and diverse institution. Social differentiation remains a key ordering principle of a good and stable society.

According to Aristotle, a political community should be guided by the highest good but at the same time it should recognise and promote other goods as well.

ON PLATO’S COMMUNISM

Plato’s communism annoyed Aristotle. He famously said, “It is better to be a cousin in reality than a ‘son’ in Plato’s sense.” For Aristotle, family is a natural institution; its abolition would be detrimental to both the individual and society. Family helps inculcate civic duties and personal love which in turn contributes to the stability of the State.

Further, property is necessary not only to fulfil the possessive instincts of owning something but also to encourage philanthropy and goodness. According to Aristotle, property should be private since it is better if each minds his own business. He argued that everyone’s property is no one’s property. He considered a well-regulated institution of property as socially beneficial.

ON PLATO’S PHILOSOPHER RULER

Aristotle argued that permanent rule by a philosopher would lead to discontent and dissent not only among the ordinary citizens but also among the higher classes.

Aristotle advocated constitutional rule. It checks arbitrarily power by ensuring periodic rotation of office bearers.

According to Aristotle, a good ruler ought to be worldly-wise rather than wise in the world of ideas. The understanding of the practical world is more important.

Plato deprived his guardian class the material and psychological reasons to be happy. This contradicted Plato’s objective of realising the happiness of the whole State.

Aristotle was also critical of denying the lower classes the right to political opinions and participation. Such a denial could make them hostile and revolt.

It is indeed interesting that Aristotle was the greatest disciple of Plato and also the latter’s greatest critic.