Philosophical Foundations: Plato, Nietzsche, and Aquinas

Plato and Nietzsche: Contrasting Philosophical Perspectives

Nietzsche's thought (19th century) is characterized as an irrational vitalism. Therefore, it is interesting to compare it with a thinker who conceived reality in a completely different way: Plato's rational idealism. Common to both authors is the defense of an aristocratic sense of existence, although from very different perspectives.

Plato uses the Myth of the Cave to make clear that what is commonly accepted as true are nothing but shadows, and very few truly have access to the knowledge of true reality. Nietzsche, in turn, criticized the commonly considered lofty values of Western culture. He argued that their origin in Platonic thought was based on dogmatic, decadent, and flawed considerations, stemming from an effort to establish rationality at all costs. Platonic dogmatism thus becomes, according to Nietzsche, the basic error of Western culture.

Thomas Aquinas: Ethics and Political Philosophy

Ethics: The Pursuit of Happiness

Thomas Aquinas maintains an affinity with Aristotle regarding ethics. Both routed ethics towards an ultimate end: happiness. For Aristotle, happiness is achieved through study and virtuous behavior, and the happy man is the philosopher, not the saint. Aquinas, however, adds the dimension of Christian ethics. For him, the ultimate end of man is the beatific vision of God, which is only accessible in the afterlife. The only man who truly achieves this is the saint. Thus, true knowledge of God is only possible in the afterlife.

Political Philosophy: State, Law, and Governance

Aquinas underlines the importance of the state, which he believes is prefigured by nature. While earthly happiness is important, ultimate happiness depends on the encounter with God, introducing theological elements into his political thought. Real happiness, therefore, lies in the afterlife, and the ultimate responsibility for spiritual well-being lies with the Church.

Reason can recognize the rules that must be followed, known as natural laws. These include fundamental human tendencies such as the preservation of existence, the propagation of the species, and the pursuit of truth. Man also seeks to organize society through positive law. Natural laws are inherent in nature, and their compliance is required. Although man is free to decide whether or not to implement them, the figure of a ruler is necessary, and this ruler must be subordinated to natural laws. The mission of the legislature is to apply natural law and impose sanctions.

Aquinas establishes three forms of good government: monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. Conversely, he identifies three bad forms: demagogic democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny.