Single Idea 10918

[catalogued under 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 2. Demonstration]

Full Idea

If demonstrative understanding proceeds from necessary principles, and whatever holds of an object in itself is necessary, then it is clear that demonstrative deductions will proceed from certain items of this sort.

Gist of Idea

Demonstrative understanding rests on necessary features of the thing in itself

Source

Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE], 74b05-)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Barnes,Jonathan [OUP 1993], p.10


A Reaction

This is the characterization of the essence of something in terms of what counts as a good explanation of that thing. Although explanation is a bit subjective, I like this approach, because you will dig down to the source of the powers of the thing.