If Plato had to write a letter to Aristotle....?

Question

If Plato had to write a letter to Aristotle about his philisophical viewpoints concerning his philosophies, what do you think he would write about? I need some help with one of my papers. Need ideas, opinions anything. I am having a writers block.

Answer 1

One of Plato's and Aristotle's main points of contention was over Plato's "world of ideas". Aristotle not only refused to buy into it but spent time trying to dispute it (he refers to it as "idle chatter" in one of his books).

As such, if Plato were writing to Aristotle about anything (well, anything philosophical at least), I suspect it would be that. Perhaps he would defend his view yet again, or perhaps he would explain that even if it were not the reality of the universe, it might perhaps be a good way to think about things.

Were he alive today, he might even tie his 'ideas' into the concept of 'memes'. Or perhaps he would point out that for many of the most prevalent religions, their idea of God is almost identical to his 'idea of good'.

Or perhaps he's just chat about the weather. Hope that helps!

Answer 2

He would rationalize away the evils of the political system and remind Aristotle to be a good slave of the laws.

Remember that all of Plato's writings survived, nothing survived from Socrates other than what Plato quotes him as having said by and large.

And of course while praised as a masterpiece of style, the letter would be long and boring. But not as boring as Aristotle who would write two letters one pro and one proving the first by disproving the con, and then he would have combined them so that if Homeland Security read them they would fall asleep about half way through.

Answer 3

Well, I assume you already knew that Socrates is Plato's teacher. Plato is Aristotle's teacher.

In my opinion, these are some conflicts ideas and beliefs among the three famous ancient Greek philosophers.

Socrates VS Plato --the differences are:
-Ideas of Politics, knowledge, and the soul theory

Plato VS Aristotle---the differences are:
-Ideas of forms and beauty

Please read
-Apology by Socrates'
-The republic by Plato's
-The politics by Aristotle's

I

Answer 4

Dear Aristotles,

Don't worry--no hard feelings. In fact, I enjoyed your latest book imensely. You're quite right (though I feel I discussed most of your objections adequately in the Parmenides.)

About leading the Academy after I die--I'm afraid there's been a bit of resistance to the idea within the board of trustees. Some of them have a rather old-fashioned attitude toward foreigners, and your nontraditional sexual orientation hasn't helped your case. (Really, why WON'T you sleep with beardless youths? Couldn't you try it just once?)

The wrestling team's doing very well this year; thanks for asking.

Philosophically yours,
Aristocles (but YOU can call me "Plato")

Answer 5

What comes before a thought?