Which philosopher is known for criticizing Plato's metaphysical ideas?

The philosopher known for criticizing Plato's metaphysical ideas is Aristotle. He was a student of Plato but later developed his own philosophy that diverged significantly from that of his mentor. Aristotle challenged Plato's theory of Forms, which posited that non-material abstract forms are the most accurate reality. Instead, Aristotle argued for a more empirical approach to understanding reality, emphasizing that the essence of objects is rooted in their physical existence rather than in abstract forms. This shift towards observation and categorization laid the groundwork for various fields of study, including science and logic, illustrating a fundamental philosophical departure from Platonic ideals.