Explain Aristotle's critique of Plato's Idealism. (UPSC CSE Mains 2019 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1).
Aristotle''s main criticisms w.r.t. Plato
- Impracticality: Aristotle believed that Plato''s ideal state was too utopian and unrealistic. He argued that it was impossible to achieve and maintain the perfect equality and communal living that Plato envisioned.
- Separation of classes: Plato''s ideal state was based on a strict separation of classes, with rulers and guardians at the top and laborers at the bottom. Aristotle argued that this separation would create resentment and conflict between classes and would be detrimental to the functioning of the state.
- Lack of individualism: Aristotle believed that Plato''s ideal state placed too much emphasis on the collective good and neglected the importance of individual rights and freedoms. He believed that individuals should have more autonomy and that the state should be structured to protect individual liberties.
- Critique of communism: Plato''s ideal state was based on communal living and the sharing of property and resources. Aristotle, however, believed that private property was necessary for individual motivation and productivity, and that communism would lead to a lack of incentive to work and produce.
- Critique of philosopher-kings: Plato''s ideal state was to be ruled by philosopher-kings, who had the wisdom and knowledge to govern the state justly. Aristotle, on the other hand, believed that practical experience and expertise were also necessary for good governance, and that philosophers were not necessarily suited to be rulers.
Overall, Aristotle''s criticisms of Plato''s ideal state reflect his belief in a more practical and realistic form of government that values individualism and expertise, and recognizes the limitations of human nature and social organization. Aristotle is a realist, and in his State, man has freedoms and rights. On the contrary, Plato considers himself an idealist, and Plato believes that man is not entitled to liberty.
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