Firstly, let us clarify this word "initiate." By way of analogy, let us compare with the word "explorer." Let us look at two people, and call them both explorers. Now, if one has only explored around their house, and another has explored the whole world, from the bottoms of the oceans and even gone into space, to other planets, is it fair to really consider them equal "explorers?" Just so with the word "initiate." Saying someone is an "initiate" is very vague and leads to useless assumptions.

Regarding the gentlemen you inquired about, I would also point out that what is known by society about them is based on a few copies of ancient documents, often of dubious authorship or origin. Can we really know the spiritual level of a person by looking at a few old pieces of paper, moreover one that has been translated and interpreted relentlessly for centuries? If this were so, what could be said of each of us in the coming centuries? What will they determine by looking at our bills, receipts, etc? I shudder to think of it! Ot worse, if they look at what others have said of us!

To answer your inquiry, here is a quote from Samael Aun Weor.

"Aristotle, once and again in his philosophy, convinced that his knowledge was formidable, made himself useless. He caused suffering, but lived convinced that he never did anything wrong. He is sure that he is magnificent, benevolent, sweet, etc." - Imagination and Fantasy

I have found no reference indicating that Aristotle was an initiate. Perhaps he was, perhaps not. Either way, the argument you described (which, incidentally, may not even have been from him) lacks integrity, and does not stand up under analysis.

In this tradition we always recommend resolving such questions through analysis of your own experience. It is not hard to confirm that the soul is independent of the body.