Page:O. F. Owen's Organon of Aristotle Vol. 2 (1853).djvu/183

, as it is impossible for both these to obtain the same end, for they cannot vanquish more than one. Now it is of no conseqence whether this is done, through the answer or through the question, since he who interrogates contentiously, disputes badly, also he who in his answer does not admit what is apparent, nor receives what the questionist wishes to inquire. Wherefore it is clear from what we have stated, that we must not similarly reprehend an argument per se, and the questionist; since nothing hinders the argument being bad, but the questionist discoursing against the respondent in the best way possible; for against the perverse, it is not perhaps possible, to frame immediately, such syllogisms as some one would, but such as he can, frame.

Since also it is indefinite when men assume contraries, and when things (investigated) in the beginning, (for often speaking by themselves they assert contraries, and having before denied, they afterwards admit, hence when questioned they frequently allow contraries, and that which (was investigated) in the beginning,) bad arguments, must necessarily arise. The respondent however is the cause, by not admitting some things, yet admitting such as these, wherefore it is clear that we must not similarly reprehend querists and arguments.

Now there are five reprehensions of an argument per se, the first indeed, when from the questions asked nothing is concluded, neither the proposition, nor, in short, any thing; all or the greatest part of those, from which the conclusion (arises), being either false or improbable; and neither things being taken away, nor being added, nor some being taken away, but others added, the conclusion is produced. The second is, if there be not a syllogism against the thesis from such things, and in such a way, as was mentioned before. The third, if there is indeed a syllogism, from certain additions, but these should be worse than those questioned, and less probable than the conclusion. Again, if certain things are taken away, for sometimes men assume more than is necessary, so that the syllogism does not result from these being (granted); further, if from things more improbable and less credible than the conclusion, or if from things true