New
New
Year 7
Aristotle: applying worldviews
I can explain Aristotle’s views on the importance of observing the world and how this shapes worldviews today.
New
New
Year 7
Aristotle: applying worldviews
I can explain Aristotle’s views on the importance of observing the world and how this shapes worldviews today.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Aristotle emphasised the importance of observation in understanding the world.
- Aristotle believed everything, including human life, has a purpose.
- Aristotle defined virtue as a mean between extremes, guiding moral behaviour and promoting balance in character.
- Aristotle's views on ethics demonstrate how different worldviews can shape everyday behaviour.
Keywords
Aristotle - an Ancient Greek philosopher remembered for his practical approach to knowledge
Telos - a Greek word meaning purpose or goal
Ethics - the study of right and wrong
Eudaimonia - the state of living well and flourishing
Virtue - a good quality that becomes a habit
Common misconception
Socrates, Plato and Aristotle had similar worldviews.
Although Aristotle was Plato's student, he had quite a different worldview and believed we can gain true knowledge by observing the world around us.
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is a worldview?
A person's opinion on an issue.
A scientific theory about the universe.
A collection of facts about history.
Q2.
What is the Greek term for 'love of wisdom'?
Q3.
What is the main goal of Socratic questioning?
To give definite answers to philosophical questions.
To help others realise they already know the answers.
To teach people facts about the world.
Q4.
Plato proposed the theory of the ...
Q5.
What is a premise in a logical argument?
the conclusion being argued for
the initial idea being supported
the final decision made after reasoning
Q6.
How did Plato build on Socrates' work of challenging worldviews?
by accepting all of Socrates' ideas
by rejecting all traditional beliefs
by teaching that only the physical world matters
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Aristotle believed we can gain knowledge from the world.
Q2.
According to Aristotle, what is the purpose (telos) of an acorn?
to provide shade
to protect the soil
to feed animals
Q3.
According to Aristotle, what is the telos (purpose) of a human being?
wealth
pleasure
fame
Q4.
What does eudaimonia mean?
happiness from enjoying the fun things in life
living a life of wealth and success
avoiding pain and difficulties in life
Q5.
Aristotle described the balance between two extremes as the golden ...
Q6.
Match these virtues (good habits) with their vices of excess or deficiency (bad habits).
cowardice
greed
arrogance
impatience
Additional material
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