back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 545

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People ]

Full Idea

If a doctor were to have a theoretical account without experience, knowing the universal but not the immediate particular, he will often err in treatment.

Clarification

'Universals' are general concepts that can refer to many particulars

Gist of Idea

It is not much help if a doctor knows about universals but not the immediate particular

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 0981a25)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.5


A Reaction

But acquaintance with particulars isn't the same as knowledge, which may require universals.