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Single Idea 12374

[from 'Posterior Analytics' by Aristotle, in 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 2. Demonstration ]

Full Idea

If you understand something demonstratively, it must hold from necessity, so it is plain that your demonstration must proceed through a middle term which is necessary.

Gist of Idea

Demonstrations must be necessary, and that depends on the middle term

Source

Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE], 75a13)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Barnes,Jonathan [OUP 1993], p.11


A Reaction

How can a middle 'term' be necessary, if it is not a proposition. Presumably Socrates is necessarily a man, and men are necessarily mortal, so it is the predication which is necessary.