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Single Idea 12383

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

Full Idea

There is no demonstration of anything of which there is no definition. Definitions are of what something is, i.e. of its essence, but all demonstrations clearly suppose and assume what a thing is.

Gist of Idea

There must be definitions before demonstration is possible

Source

Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE], 90b30)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Barnes,Jonathan [OUP 1993], p.50


A Reaction

Note that while essentialism rests on definitions, the job is not yet complete once the definitions are done. With good definitions, it should be easy to show how the pieces of the jigsaw fit together.