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Single Idea 14641

[from 'Prior Analytics' by Aristotle, in 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 4. De re / De dicto modality ]

Full Idea

It sometimes results that the deduction becomes necessary when only one of the premises is necessary (not whatever premise it might be, however, but only the premise in relation to the major extreme [premise]).

Gist of Idea

A deduction is necessary if the major (but not the minor) premise is also necessary

Source

Aristotle (Prior Analytics [c.328 BCE], 30a15)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Prior Analytics', ed/tr. Smith,Robin [Hackett 1989], p.13


A Reaction

The qualification is brackets is said by Plantinga (1969) to be a recognition of the de re/ de dicto distinction (later taken up by Aquinas). Plantinga gives two examples to illustrate his reading.