A description of the philosophical approach of the Rationalists
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Walden University *
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Course
1001S
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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1
Uploaded by KidGuineaPig2324
1.
A description of the philosophical approach of the Rationalists (represented by Plato) and the Empiricists (represented by Aristotle). As part of your descriptions, identify at least two ways in which these approaches differ from one another.
2.
A paragraph in which you select either Rationalism or Empiricism as the approach that resonates most deeply with your personal experiences. Support your selection with an example from your own life.
Rationalism is the philosophical view that knowledge is acquired through reason, without the aid of the senses (James Fieser). Plato believed that reason was the way to acquire knowledge, since the world is in constant flux our senses were unreliable. “The Allegory of the Cave” shows Plato’s reasoning that what stands between the world of illusions and true wisdom is reason itself (Walden University,
LLC. 2018) In contrast Aristotle believed that the senses gave us understanding of the physical world. Empiricism reasons that experience, experimentation, and perception is how you acquire knowledge. Plato influenced Aristotle, just as Socrates influenced Plato. But each man's influence moved in different areas after their deaths (
Diffen LLC). So while many of their ideas are similar they have many distinct differences. When it comes to what each philosopher believed the best life for a human would be Plato believed a life devoted to examining our beliefs to endure they were correct was the answer. While Aristotle believed a life devoted to cultivating habits that lead to flourishing was best. Another interesting difference was where they stood on whether artistic skills vould be
taught. Plato believed that was not possible that it was an inborn talent while Aristotle believed it
could be taught. I think I spent a little too much time considering what approach I thought resonated with me the most. On the one hand I strongly believe that Plato was not wrong about our senses being unreliable. It has been shown in many ways how trauma can affect our memory. On the other hand mathematical data can not explain everything in the universe. I feel that as Plato’s student Aristotle advanced his knowledge and while believing in many of the same things he learned that emotions and experience play a large role in how we learn and interpret the world. As I contemplated the importance of factual data and gut feelings I realized that everyday I rely on my experiences in life to guide the way I approach people and daily tasks. So I would relate more to Empiricism. https://www.utm.edu/staff/jfieser/class/110/7-rationalism.htm
"Aristotle vs Plato."
Diffen.com.
Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 21 Jan 2023.<
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Aristotle_vs_Plato
>
https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/31218/pages/unit-1-the-philosophical-
perspective
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