Single Idea 12285

[catalogued under 2. Reason / D. Definition / 6. Definition by Essence]

Full Idea

The definition ought to be peculiar to one thing, not common to many.

Gist of Idea

The definition is peculiar to one thing, not common to many

Source

Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 149b24)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Foster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.633


A Reaction

I take this to be very important, against those who think that definition is no more than mere categorisation. To explain, you must get down to the level of the individual. We must explain that uniquely docile tiger.