Aristotle's Parenting Method

 

Aristotle: Plato's Disciple and Alexander the Great's Teacher

Aristotle, who studied under the great master Plato, became the teacher of Alexander the Great, who left a significant mark on European history. He became famous in Greece for exclaiming "Eureka!" He was initially not well-received by the Greeks due to his foreign origins. Nevertheless, his passion to learn from the great master Plato sustained him in Greece for twenty years. Growing up as Plato’s foremost disciple, he eventually broke away from his teacher's philosophy and established his own independent thought. He was later invited to teach the young prince of Macedonia, a small city in northern Greece, and left Greece to fulfill this role. The prince he taught would go on to build a vast empire in ancient European history and flourish Hellenistic culture: Alexander the Great. Let’s explore Aristotle's educational methods for raising great individuals.

Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle Source: Naver Image

Aristotle Instills a Sense of Mission in His Son

The book "Nicomachean Ethics" is considered a cornerstone of Western philosophy. The author of this book was also Aristotle's son. Aristotle lost his father at an early age and lived with a sense of longing for him. When his son was born, he named him Nicomachus after his father. At that time, it was traditional for children to inherit their father's profession. Thus, Nicomachus later edited a work written by Aristotle’s student Eudemus and revised it into what is now known as the "Nicomachean Ethics." There has been some controversy over whether the book written by Nicomachus truly reflected Aristotle's philosophy, as it primarily contained Eudemus's ideas. However, the content of the two books aligned in many respects, suggesting that Nicomachus's work reflected significant aspects of Aristotle's teachings. Consequently, the book "Nicomachean Ethics," edited by his son, came to light in the world.

 

Aristotle Teaches the Golden Mean

The core of Aristotle’s philosophy is the concept of the golden mean. This means choosing the middle ground between two extremes. This idea can also be found in Eastern Confucian thought. Aristotle argued that humans could ultimately find happiness through moderation. His writings, derived from discussions with his students, reflect his belief that happiness is achieved through the appropriate harmony of instinct and reason. Although he could not directly teach his son Nicomachus, he hoped that by editing his teachings, his son would come to understand what his father intended to convey. Editing a book is only possible after thoroughly understanding and consolidating a person's thoughts. Nicomachus, by writing about his father's philosophy, likely grasped the teaching of the golden mean. As a philosopher, Aristotle aimed to pass on his vocation to his son. The son dedicated his life to understanding and organizing his father’s teachings in written form. Without Nicomachus’s efforts, it would have been difficult for Aristotle’s philosophy to be fully transmitted to future generations.

 

In history, the great philosopher Aristotle instilled a sense of mission in his son by naming him after himself. Thus, the son devoted himself to editing his father's philosophy, enabling both father and son to leave their names in history together.

 

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