http://www.tomrichey.net

Tom Richey provides students with an introduction to Greek philosophy, contrasting Plato's idealism with Aristotle's realism and comparing the basic premise of Plato's Republic with Aristotle's Politics.

In Raphael's painting, The School of Athens, Plato and Aristotle walk side by side at the center, with Plato pointing up to signify his idealism and Aristotle pointing down to signify his belief in philosophical realism. This is a starting point for understanding the key differences between Plato and Aristotle.