Single Idea 1698

[catalogued under 2. Reason / B. Laws of Thought / 4. Contraries]

Full Idea

With contraries it is not necessary if one exists for the other to exist too, for if everyone were well health would exist but not sickness, and if everything were white whiteness would exist but not black.

Gist of Idea

Both sides of contraries need not exist (as health without sickness, white without black)

Source

Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 14a06)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Categories and De Interpretatione', ed/tr. Ackrill,J.R. [OUP 1963], p.38