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Single Idea 1678

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 3. Best Explanation / a. Best explanation]

Full Idea

Universals are more explanatory (for something which holds in itself is itself explanatory of itself; and universals are primitive; hence universals are explanatory) - so universal demonstrations are better.

Gist of Idea

Universals give better explanations, because they are self-explanatory and primitive

Source

Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE], 85b25)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Barnes,Jonathan [OUP 1993], p.37