For if A
is predicable as a mere consequent of B and B of C, A will not on that
account be the definable form of C: A will merely be what it was
true to say of C. Even if A is predicated of all B inasmuch as B is
identical with a species of A, still it will not follow: being an
animal is predicated of being a man-since it is true that in all
instances to be human is to be animal, just as it is also true that
every man is an animal-but not as identical with being man.
We conclude, then, that unless one takes both the premisses as
predicating essence, one cannot infer that A is the definable form and
essence of C: but if one does so take them, in assuming B one will
have assumed, before drawing the conclusion, what the definable form
of C is; so that there has been no inference, for one has begged the
question.
5
Nor, as was said in my formal logic, is the method of division a
process of inference at all, since at no point does the
characterization of the subject follow necessarily from the
premising of certain other facts: division demonstrates as little as
does induction. For in a genuine demonstration the conclusion must not
be put as a question nor depend on a concession, but must follow
necessarily from its premisses, even if the respondent deny it.
Pages:
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120