This is a presentation about Aristotle's western philosophy.

1. Aristotle
The Foundations of Western Thought
By:- Aryan Verma (2238132)
Shekhar Antal (2238123)
Deepak Singh (2238144)

2. Overview of Aristotle's life
Aristotle was born in 384 BC in Stagira, Greece. He studied under
Plato at the Academy and later tutored Alexander the Great. His
extensive writings span various fields, including philosophy, ethics,
politics, and science.

3. ● Aristotle (384-322 BC)-born in Stagira( near Macedonia) in
Greece in a middle class family (father was doctor)
● Was student of Plato in his Academy; taught young
Alexander the Great of Macedonia
● Time of fall of democracy in Athens, rise of Macedonia
which conquered Athens
● His कमभू म was Athens, but had to leave it for fear of life
● He founded Lyceum, his own Academy.His main
creations-30 books (mostly lecture notes)
● Nicomachean
● EthicsPolitics
● Metaphysics, Rhetoric, On the Soul
● Master writer on Biology, Mechanics, Astronomy, Logic,
Economics, Politics, Theology, rhetoric, Poetics
● Considered as true Scientist, 'THE Philosopher', 'First
Teacher', The Master of Them That Know’
Who is Aristotle?

4. Aristotle's work emerged in the context of Classical
Greece, a time of flourishing philosophy and politics.
His contributions were influenced by the socio-
political climate, as well as his predecessors, notably
Plato.
Context of Aristotle's work

5. Importance in Western philosophy
Aristotle is considered one of the greatest philosophers in Western
history. His ideas laid the groundwork for various fields, including
logic, metaphysics, ethics, and political theory, significantly
influencing subsequent philosophical discourse.

6. Aristotle vs Plato

7. Aristotle's philosophy often contrasted sharply with
that of his teacher, Plato. While Plato emphasized
ideal forms and the abstract, Aristotle focused on
empirical observation and the material world.
Plato:Focus on abstract Forms,philosopher-kings.
Aristotle:Empirical observation, practical,governance.
Quote:
"Plato is dear to me,but truth dearer.”
Aristotle vs. Plato

8. Philosophical
Contributions

9. Aristotle’s Methodology
Aristotle developed a systematic approach to inquiry, emphasizing
observation and logic. His methods involved categorizing knowledge
and establishing principles through deductive reasoning.
Empiricism: Knowledge from observation (vs. Plato’s Forms).
Logic: Developed syllogisms (e.g., "All men are mortal; Socrates is a
man; therefore…").
Teleology: Purpose (*telos*) in nature (e.g., acorns grow into oaks).

10. Ethics: The Good Life
Central to Aristotle's ethics is the concept of virtue as a mean
between extremes. He proposed that the ultimate goal of human life
is eudaimonia, often translated as 'flourishing' or 'the good life',
achieved through balanced ethical living.
Eudaimonia: Flourishing through virtue (not just pleasure).
Golden Mean: Virtue as balance (e.g., courage between
recklessness/cowardice).
Example Table:
Excess Virtue Deficiency
Rashness Courage Cowardice

11. Political Theory

12. Political Theory
● Man as a "Political Animal":
Humans thrive in communities
(polis).
● Purpose of State: Ensure the
good life (not just order).

13. Classification of governments
Aristotle classified governments into three main types:
monarchy, aristocracy, and polity, which are considered correct
forms, contrasted with their deviant forms: tyranny, oligarchy,
and democracy. He believed the best government is one that
promotes the common good and ensures the well-being of
citizens.
Good Forms Corrupt Forms
Monarchy(rule by one) Tyranny
Aristocracy(rule by few) Oligarchy
Polity(rule by many) Democracy(mob rule)
● Best Practical System: Polity (mixed constitution).
Ancient Greek voting ostraca

14. Critique of democracy
While Aristotle acknowledged the democratic element of decision-
making, he criticized pure democracy for its tendency to devolve
into mob rule. He argued that democracy often prioritizes majority
rule over rational governance and can neglect the interests of the
community.
● Warned against unchecked majority rule ("demagogues
exploit the poor").
● Preferred educated middle-class governance.
● Modern Parallel: Populism vs. technocracy debates.

15. Aristotle's views on slavery and women reflect his belief in
natural hierarchies. He posited that some people are
naturally suited to be slaves or women, which has led to
significant criticism of his work. His writings prompt further
discourse on ethics and equality.
● Controversial Views:
Natural slavery (some "born to serve").
Women as inferior (though influential in household).
● Critique: Reflects patriarchal Greek norms.
Views on slavery and
women

16. Rhetoric and
Persuasion

17. Principles of rhetoric
Aristotle's rhetorical theories emphasize the importance of ethos,
pathos, and logos in persuasion. He believed effective
communication involves appealing to the audience's ethics,
emotions, and logic, forming a foundation for subsequent rhetorical
studies.
● Three Appeals:
1. Ethos (credibility),
2. Pathos (emotion),
3. Logos (logic).
● Modern Use:Advertising,Political speeches.

18. Poetics and Tragedy
In his work 'Poetics,' Aristotle examined the nature of artistic creation
and defined key components of drama, including plot, character,
and theme. He emphasized the role of catharsis in tragedy, where
audiences experience a release of emotions.
● Catharsis: Purging emotions through art.
● Tragic Hero: Noble but flawed (e.g., Oedipus).

19. Aristotle characterized tragedy as an imitation of
serious action that evokes pity and fear, leading to
catharsis. He outlined the elements essential for
tragedy, including hamartia, peripeteia, and
anagnorisis, which shape the audience's emotional
journey.
Concepts of tragedy

20. Legacy and Influence

21. Aristotle's contributions to logic with syllogistic reasoning
laid the groundwork for the scientific method. His
inquiries into the natural world established a framework
for empirical research, influencing modern scientific
thought.
● Biology:Classified 500+ species (though some
errors).
● Physics: Earth-centered universe (later disproven).
Impact on science and
logic

22. Influence on Later Thinkers
Aristotle's work significantly influenced philosophers such as
Aquinas and Kant. His ideas reshaped theology, ethics, and
metaphysics and provided a foundation for various intellectual
movements over centuries.
● Medieval: Aquinas (Christian theology).
● Enlightenment: Locke’s empiricism.
● Modern:Virtue ethics revival (e.g., Alasdair MacIntyre).

23. Contemporary relevance
Today, Aristotle's ideas resonate in debates on ethics, politics, and
education. His emphasis on virtue ethics remains relevant in
discussions surrounding moral philosophy and practical ethics in
modern society.
● Politics:Mixed constitutions (e.g., U.S. checks/balances).
● Ethics: Virtue ethics in business/medicine.
● Education: Liberal arts emphasis.

24. Aristotle's extensive work provides foundational
insights into philosophy, politics, and the arts. His
influence persists in contemporary discourse,
demonstrating the lasting impact of his contributions
to Western thought.
Conclusions

25. ● Championed observation, logic, and practical
wisdom.
● Ethics = balance; Politics = community flourishing.
● Flawed but foundational.
Key Takeaways

26. CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo,
and includes icons, infographics & images by Freepik
Thank you!
Do you have any questions?
Thank you…