To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a god

To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a god

Thomas B. Macaulay, a renowned British historian and politician, was known for his critical analysis of various philosophical and political ideologies. In the context of the statement, "To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a god," Macaulay would likely have a nuanced perspective on the idea of elevating man to a divine status through Platonic philosophy.

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed in the existence of a higher reality beyond the physical world, which he referred to as the realm of Forms or Ideas. According to Plato, the ultimate goal of human life was to attain knowledge of these eternal truths and transcend the limitations of the material world. This pursuit of wisdom and virtue was seen as a means of achieving a higher state of being, akin to that of a god.

Macaulay, with his rational and pragmatic approach to philosophy, may have viewed Plato's idea of exalting man into a god with skepticism. While he may have appreciated the intellectual rigor and moral idealism of Platonic philosophy, Macaulay would likely have questioned the feasibility and desirability of such a lofty goal. In his view, the elevation of man to a divine status could be seen as a form of hubris or arrogance, as it implies a sense of superiority and entitlement that may not be justified.

Furthermore, Macaulay may have been critical of the potential consequences of striving to become god-like. He may have argued that such a pursuit could lead to a neglect of practical concerns and a detachment from the realities of human existence. Instead of aspiring to transcendental perfection, Macaulay may have advocated for a more balanced and grounded approach to life, one that values reason, morality, and social responsibility.