Single Idea 12261

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 5. Genus and Differentia]

Full Idea

The differentia, being generic in character, should be ranged with the genus.

Gist of Idea

Differentia are generic, and belong with genus

Source

Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 101b18)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Foster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.279


A Reaction

This does not mean that naming the differentia amounts to mere classification. I presume we can only state individual differences by using a language which is crammed full of universals.