Aristotle vs. Plato

             There are many similarities between Plato and Aristotle's views on human virtue, but each have adequate differences that make each of these philosophers ideas strong. In this paper who's view is closest to the truth will also be discussed because it to was a main point brought up throughout the reading. Plato and Aristotle have two unique perspectives on the topic, parts of which I personally agree and disagree with.
             To Plato the soul has three parts; desire, spirit, and reason. Desire is the part of the soul that creates a want for things such as, hunger and thirst. The spirit or ego part is where your honor lies with your self respect. Next, is the rational part of the soul which judges what is good for the soul as a whole, desires truth and knowledge. Plato also relates the soul to the city. He says that the city also has three parts or classes of people in it. The first, class are the workers, these people strive to satisfy their desires which rule over the other parts of their souls. The next class are the soldiers or warriors. In this class the spirit part of the soul rules over the rational and appetitive parts. The last, class are the rulers, these people have a soul led by reason over desire and spirit. Plato believes , individual justice consists of the relations among the parts of the soul. In a just soul, the rational truth loving part must rule, the spirited part needs to follow the rational part's beliefs, and the appetitive part needs to behave in accordance. This is comparative to the city, because the just soul is governed by the rational part, which in turn makes them a ruler. So therefore, the just city is governed by the ruling class, who's souls are ruled by reason. This brings about Plato's four cardinal virtues; wisdom, self discipline, justice and courage. These virtues fit the three different classes in the city the same as the parts of the fit. Rulers have wisdom...

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