This can be understood in contrast to Plato’s rationalism – where Plato aspired to a higher truth outside the ‘cave’ of human experience that could only be attained through introspection, Aristotle believed that truth could be found inside the ‘cave’ through careful observation and systematic classification of the world. As a result, all knowledge of the universe can be obtained through scientific investigation. Naturalism refers to the notion that everything that exists is natural, and only natural laws and forces operate in the world. Through investigating the historical development of the state, Aristotle’s political philosophy claims that the state is a necessary and inevitable product of human nature and purpose.Īristotle’s exploration of the state occurs through the use of a naturalist teleology. Aristotle is often regarded as one of Plato’s greatest rivals in the history of political thought, and takes a markedly different approach to theorising the state, preferring to chart its evolution from more basic forms of association. In continuation of the exploration of the need for and origins of the state, this article will introduce Aristotle’s theory of human nature and the state.
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