Single Idea 1691

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

Full Idea

Divide a whole into its primitives, then try to get definitions of these. Thus you establish the kind, and then study the attributes through the primitive common items.

Gist of Idea

Aim to get definitions of the primitive components, thus establishing the kind, and work towards the attributes

Source

Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE], 96b16)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Barnes,Jonathan [OUP 1993], p.65