Single Idea 1697

[catalogued under 2. Reason / B. Laws of Thought / 4. Contraries]

Full Idea

What is contrary to a good thing is necessarily bad, as we see with health and sickness. But the contrary of bad is sometimes good, sometimes not, as we see with excess, opposed by both deficiency and moderation.

Gist of Idea

The contrary of good is bad, but the contrary of bad is either good or another evil

Source

Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 13b36)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Categories and De Interpretatione', ed/tr. Ackrill,J.R. [OUP 1963], p.38