Abstract:

In Arendt's view, Western political philosophy is derived from an old conflict between philosophy and politics.From then on, the mode of thinking establishing by Plato, that is, thinking action as work and elimination autonomy and plurality of action, has always dominated the Western tradition of political philosophy, even shared by our Moderns.Through her criticisms of Western political philosophy, Arendt expresses her views on politics——politics is an activity which takes the self as its end, and the foundation of political philosophy lies in the wonder for plurality of human affairs.

Key words: vita contemplative, vita activa, Plato, homo fabor, progress of history