Three Types of Science

TL;DRAbstract

How a mind grasps universals is addressed all too quickly in Posterior Analytics II 19. The challenge facing Aristotle is to fill out this quick account in a way that makes the acquisition of universals intelligible. This would be a challenge under any conditions; however, the importance of meeting this challenge is enormous for Aristotle, whose logic and theory of demonstrative science recognize only inferences through universals. The theory of meaning in the De Interpretatione does not identify significant sounds with universal terms; however, universal terms are much more common in ordinary discourse than are proper names for individuals, and Aristotle's claim that the mental state is the same for all humans who share a concept supports the identification of meanings with universals. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, knowledge requires universals. On this point, Aristotle (as we have seen) is in complete agreement with Plato. He differs in making experience the basis for the

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