Aristotle made a groundbreaking contribution by creating the science of logic, which brought discipline to Greek thought. Before Aristotle, Greek intellect was chaotic, and even Plato, who valued beauty and myths, lacked the rigorous methods that Aristotle introduced. Aristotle's logic, translated and preserved in medieval Europe, became fundamental to intellectual development and scientific terminology.
Logic, defined as the art and method of correct thinking, emphasizes the importance of clear definitions, a practice rooted in Socratic and Platonic traditions. Aristotle's approach to definitions involves classifying objects into general groups and specifying their unique differences.
A major philosophical debate between Aristotle and Plato revolved around universals. Plato believed in the objective existence of universals, while Aristotle argued that universals are merely names and only individual objects truly exist. This led Aristotle to focus on concrete realities, contrasting with Plato's abstract idealism.
Aristotle's logic, exemplified by the syllogism, aids in structuring clear arguments but is more about clarification than discovery. While logic is essential for correct reasoning, it is often perceived as dull and uninspiring compared to more elevating subjects. Nonetheless, Aristotle's work laid the foundation for disciplined, logical thinking that has shaped intellectual history.