The answer to this question depends on the context in which it is being asked. Both Aristotle and Plato have had significant influences on Western thought, and their ideas have been incorporated into various philosophical and scientific theories. However, it is generally accepted that Aristotle's ideas have had a more lasting impact on Western thought, particularly in areas such as logic, ethics, and politics.
Aristotle and Plato had different views on many philosophical concepts, including the nature of reality, the role of reason and knowledge, and the concept of the ideal state. While Plato believed in the existence of a perfect, unchanging reality beyond the physical world, Aristotle focused on the study of the physical world and the use of reason to understand it. Additionally, while Plato emphasized the importance of knowledge and education, Aristotle placed more value on practical experience.
Both Aristotle and Plato's ideas have had a significant impact on modern Western thought. Aristotle's logic and scientific methodology have been foundational to the development of Western science and philosophy. Plato's ideas on justice, virtue, and the ideal state have also had a lasting influence on Western political thought. Additionally, both philosophers' ideas have been incorporated into various fields such as psychology, ethics, and literature.
It is difficult to say which philosopher had a greater influence on Western thought as their ideas have been intertwined and incorporated into various fields and theories. However, many argue that Aristotle's ideas have had a more lasting impact due to their practical applications and his emphasis on empirical observation and reasoning.
While Aristotle and Plato are often considered the most influential philosophers in Western thought, there have been many other philosophers who have contributed to the development of Western ideas. Some notable examples include Socrates, René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, and Friedrich Nietzsche. Each of these philosophers had unique ideas that have shaped Western thought in different ways.