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Single Idea 16094

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 2. Reason / D. Definition / 3. Types of Definition ]

Full Idea

It is impossible to define particulars. …The fact is that an account is general.

Gist of Idea

You can't define particulars, because accounts have to be generalised

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1040a33-)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.224


A Reaction

Aristotle rejects attempts to define the Sun as possible counterexamples. Since this claims rests on the idea of an account [logos], I presume the point is actually that definitions are linguistic, and must use general words.