Nassar, M. (2025). A Comparative Study of Geographic Thought between Plato and Aristotle in Greek Civilization. , 2025(4), 1262-1280. doi: 10.37653/juah.2025.163606.1368
Marwa Mahroos Nassar. "A Comparative Study of Geographic Thought between Plato and Aristotle in Greek Civilization". , 2025, 4, 2025, 1262-1280. doi: 10.37653/juah.2025.163606.1368
Nassar, M. (2025). 'A Comparative Study of Geographic Thought between Plato and Aristotle in Greek Civilization', , 2025(4), pp. 1262-1280. doi: 10.37653/juah.2025.163606.1368
Nassar, M. A Comparative Study of Geographic Thought between Plato and Aristotle in Greek Civilization. , 2025; 2025(4): 1262-1280. doi: 10.37653/juah.2025.163606.1368

A Comparative Study of Geographic Thought between Plato and Aristotle in Greek Civilization

Journal of University of Anbar for Humanities
Volume 2025, Issue 4, December 2025, Pages 1262-1280    PDF (4.01 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.37653/juah.2025.163606.1368
Author
Marwa Mahroos Nassar*
‎ University of Anbar - College of Arts
Abstract
Aims: This study investigates the origins of geographic thought in ancient Greek philosophy through a focused comparison of Plato and Aristotle. It aims to analyze their divergent conceptions of place, nature, and human-environment interaction, and to define their respective contributions to early geographic awareness. Methodology: A comparative textual analysis was employed, examining the philosophical theories of both thinkers to contrast their intellectual influence on the development of geographic concepts. Results: The analysis reveals a foundational dichotomy. Plato’s geography is idealistic and philosophical, framing the terrestrial world within cosmic order and utopian society. In stark contrast, Aristotle developed a realist and scientific geography based on empirical observation, explicitly detailing environmental impacts on populations, climate, and political systems. Consequently, Aristotle's principles formed the direct groundwork for classical geography, while Plato’s ideas remained influential within a speculative, philosophical tradition. Conclusions: The study concludes that Plato and Aristotle established the dual—philosophical and scientific—foundations of geographic thought. Aristotle’s empirical framework served as the direct progenitor of the geographic science tradition, while Plato’s idealism provided its enduring philosophical scope. Understanding this early divergence is crucial for tracing the discipline’s historical and epistemological roots.
Keywords
Geographic Thought; Ancient Greek Philosophy; Plato; Aristotle; Comparative Analysis
References
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