Single Idea 1686

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / b. Aims of explanation]

Full Idea

The things we seek are equal in number to those we understand: the fact, the reason why, if something is, and what something is.

Gist of Idea

What we seek and understand are facts, reasons, existence, and identity

Source

Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE], 89b24)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Barnes,Jonathan [OUP 1993], p.48