Harmony is essential for every human being because it is typically associated with physical and mental well-being. Even though this phenomenon seems clear and universal, the best philosophers in world history have elaborated on the issue and offered different interpretations of it. That is why it is reasonable to consider how the most prominent thinkers described this issue. Thus, Confucius states that harmony is an equilibrium achieved by following the flow, Aristotle describes harmony as a connection between different and even opposite people and phenomena, while for Plato, harmony is within a soul.
To begin with, one should explain Confucius’s passage from his perspective. His words reveal that harmony is an unconditional phenomenon that is achieved by equilibrium and by following the flow. According to Confucius, it is not necessary to rely on the rites and make them bring harmony. In fact, the latter should be the goal that is the motivational force of all the activities. The author also demonstrates that people should establish harmony in their lives and promote it throughout the universe.
It is also possible to explain the idea above from Aristotle’s perspective. For this author, harmony is a connection and a link between the opposites, including a husband and a wife, a master and a slave, as well as an individual and a state (Aristotle, n.d.). The connections are natural between them, and one should highlight that the author harmonizes a conflict between extremes. That is why the philosopher concludes that politics is the process of harmonization of relationships that exist between different people who generally constitute a state.
Plato utilizes a different approach when it comes to defining harmony. The author stipulates that the human psyche consists of three elements, including reason, spirit, and appetite (Plato, 360 B.C.E.). A harmonious state emerges when a person equally develops all these phenomena. This information demonstrates that the philosopher views harmony as an internal issue, meaning that external factors and conditions do not have a significant impact on achieving a state of equilibrium. Once this condition is achieved, a person can be considered virtuous. Consequently, the author reveals that harmony positively affects people and their capabilities.
In conclusion, the paper has commented on three philosophers’ approaches to the issue of harmony. For Confucius, this state is achieved by following the flow without paying attention to the rites. In turn, Aristotle harmonizes a conflict and a relationship between the extremes, including a master and a slave and so on. Plato also offers some thoughts about the selected concept and explains that this condition can only be achieved in the inner world. In particular, the author emphasizes the equilibrium of reason, spirit, and appetite. This information demonstrates that the three philosophers differently explained a single phenomenon.
References
Aristotle. (n.d.). The politics. Penguin Books.
Plato. (360 B.C.E.). The republic.