plato to locke

In the 7th book of Politics Aristotle poses the vexing question as to whether a political or philosophical life is better. At first Aristotle’s line of questioning seems marred by the inherent causal relationship between philosophy and politics observed in the writings of Plato, however upon further reflection it is clear that the two, for the sake of argument, should each be held as autonomous ways of life. One could argue that a philosophical life will prosper over a life of political ambition given that human beings were perfect creatures. Throughout Politics however, it becomes apparent that Aristotle does not believe human beings are perfect creatures capable of the restraint and existential autonomy necessary to be solely philosophical creatures. Given this endogenous argument which Aristotle’s writing brings forth it becomes clear that within the realm of political, and social reality, it is better to live a political life than one of philosophical pursuit.
If one wher...