ARISTOTLE'S CRITICISM OF PLATO REGARDING THE SEPARATION OF THE OBJECT FROM SCIENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5752/P.1678-3425.2022v7n13p21-36Keywords:
Aristotle, Peri Ideon, Object of Science, SeparationAbstract
In this paper we will attempt to clarify Aristotle´s criticism of Plato in relation to the object of science. First, we will offer an analysis of the «arguments from the sciences» present in Aristotle´s On Ideas (Περὶ Ἰδεῶν). Second, we will assess the validity of the Aristotelian reconstruction of Platonic arguments in the light of the evidence that can be found in Plato´s dialogues. Third, we will focus mainly on the first of Aristotle´s criticisms to these arguments, in order to determine the differences between the Platonic Idea and the Aristotelian universal. Although Aristotle accepts the need for universals to give an account of scientific knowledge, such recognition does not necessarily lead to the separation of the universal. But the precise meaning of «separation» to be attributed to Ideas is a highly controversial subject. We propose to establish that the separation of Ideas entails homonymy, i.e., Ideas and particulars share their names but not their nature; therefore, having a name in common does not ensure any real connection, and thus Ideas would be deprived of their causal and cognitive function. We believe that a principle of synonymy operates in Aristotle´s solution, which is his own contribution to the problem of separation.
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