Abstract

Undoubtedly, Plato's most fundamental and basic philosophical theory is his theory of Ideas. Not only his ontological and epistemological ideas, but also his political, ethical, and other theories are, either directly or indirectly, influenced by this theory. This Platonic view has greatly attracted the attention of thinkers, whether those for or against it, in the history of philosophy.For some reasons, the writer believes that Aristotle's evaluation and critique of Plato's theory of Ideas is very important and worth propounding. First, Aristotle himself was Plato's student and studied under him for several years. Second, since, like Plato, Aristotle was one of the most prominent philosophers of the history of humanity, his critique of this theory will be more accurate and reliable.Nevertheless, Aristotle has unfortunately been accused of misunderstanding his teacher's doctrine of Ideas and even having evil intentions in interpreting it. Moreover, in some cases, Plato's theory of Ideas has been introduced as such a low and unimportant theory that it appears there is no way to defend or justify it.The writer has tried to choose a middle way between extreme positions and exonerate these two philosophers from the above accusations. He has also tried to be as just and moderate as possible in explaining and criticizing the Platonic theory of Ideas.