Plato & Aristotle Theories

Instructions 

Your task for this essay is to explain Plato’s theory of the forms, in your own words, and compare this understanding with Aristotle’s view of the forms, also using your own words. How are these views similar? How do they differ?

Then, analyze the views – which view do you think gives the best, or most complete account? Which makes the most sense to you? Why? What issues arise with each thinker’s argument? Can we resolve these issues? Cite available evidence and good reasons to support your claims.

Your essay should be set up as follows:

1) Introduction – briefly and generally set up the discussion you intend to have within your essay

• Include a thesis statement telling your reader what you hope to show, or attempt to prove with your essay – “This essay hopes to show that X’s view of the forms is the most coherent because it accounts fully for Y. “

2) An in-depth explanation of Plato’s theory of the forms, followed by an in-depth explanation of Aristotle’s theory of the forms – compare and contrast the views

How are they similar? How do they differ?

3) Following your explanation of the views, you need to choose the one that you think is the best, or most complete, and explain why:

• Which side is the correct way to understand the forms?
• Why does this view make more sense than the other?
• What specific problems does this view avoid that the other does not?
• What problems does this view have?
• Can they be overcome? How?
• Consider each of these in a holistic manner as you craft your analysis

4) Conclusion (reaffirm your thesis statement without merely restating content)

• Do not introduce new ideas in your conclusion
• Do not end your essay in a question
• This essay is asking for you to make an argument about which view is the most complete – do not confuse crafting your own argument with offering a mere opinion. Arguments support the claims that they make with evidence and good reasons, mere opinions do not. You must give an argument here.

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