Single Idea 15770

[catalogued under 2. Reason / E. Argument / 3. Analogy]

Full Idea

It is not right to seek a definition for everything - for some things an overview is to be had by analogy.

Gist of Idea

Some things cannot be defined, and only an analogy can be given

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1048a33)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.267


A Reaction

This is what David Lewis called the 'way of example' in defining what is meant by 'abstract objects'.

Related Idea

Idea 8938 The Way of Example compares donkeys and numbers, but what is the difference, and what are numbers? [Lewis]