Single Idea 12283

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

Full Idea

In definitions the first term to be assigned ought to be the genus.

Gist of Idea

In definitions the first term to be assigned ought to be the genus

Source

Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 132a12)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Forster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.507


A Reaction

We mustn't be deluded into thinking that nothing else is required. I take the increasing refinement of differentiae to be where the real action is. The genus gives you 70% of the explanation.