Sex

Plato and Aristotle, two philosophers in the 4th century, hold polar views on politics
and philosophy in general. This fact is very cleverly illustrated by Raphael's "School of
Athens" (1510-11; Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican), where Plato is portrayed looking up
to the higher forms; and Aristotle is pointing down because he supports the natural
sciences. In a discussion of politics, the stand point of each philosopher becomes an
essential factor. It is not coincidental that Plato states in The Republic that Philosopher
Rulers who possess knowledge of the good should be the governors in a city state. His
strong interest in metaphysics is demonstrated in The Republic various times: for
example, the similes of the cave, the sun, and the line, and his theory of the forms.
Because he is so involved in metaphysics, his views on politics are more theoretical as
opposed to actual. Aristotle, contrarily, holds the view that politics is the art of ruling
and being ruled in turn. In ...