Page:O. F. Owen's Organon of Aristotle Vol. 2 (1853).djvu/154

 since the part being subverted, the whole definition also, is subverted. (It is also requisite) correcting and reforming such definitions as are obscure, in order to render something evident, and to obtain an argument, to consider in this way: since it is necessary for the respondent, either to admit what is taken up by the interrogator, or himself to unfold what that is which is signified by the definition. Yet more, as men are accustomed in assemblies to introduce a law, and if what is introduced be better, they abrogate the former law, so we must act in definitions, and another definition must be introduced, since if (this) appear better, and more to develope the thing defined, it is evident that the definition laid down (previously) will be subverted, since there are not many definitions of the same thing.

Nevertheless, it is not the least element as to all definitions, to define with oneself sagaciously the thing proposed, or to take up a definition which has been well framed; since it is necessary, running as it were to an example, to survey what is deficient in the definition, and what is superfluously added, so as to be better provided with arguments.

Let, then, so much suffice for those points which pertain to definitions.



Chapter 1
a thing be the same or different, according to the most proper of the before-mentioned modes about the same thing, (and that was said to be most properly the same, which is one in number,) we must consider from cases, co-ordinates and opposites. For if justice be the same with fortitude, a just man is also the same with a brave man, and 