Aristotle's beliefs His main beliefs were that : That metaphysical power and action achieve an outcome of complete development governed by four kinds of causes. Socrates The ideal life focuses on self-development, especially the pursuit of goodness, virtue, justice, integrity, and friendship. Materialism is the enemy of achieving the ideal life. Plato The ancient philosopher Plato was born in Athens, Greece. Plato's beliefs and writings contributed much to the organized study of ethics. Plato believed that all people in some way desired happiness. The differences are mainly on the issues of government and education.