JB_101_151.xml

Title: [31 July 1814 Logic Ch. │ │]

Description: 31 July 1814

Logic

Ch. │ │ Aristotle's Præcognita

'.1. Sanderson, not Aristotle

3

Saunderson's Compendium is accordingly the work to which as often as the question may happen to present itself what on this point has been said by the school of Aristotle reference will be made. Saunderson's Compendium is accordingly the work in which should any supposed imperfections be found in that system, the proof and exemplification of such imperfections will be deduced.

Meantime what is far from impossible is - that in this or that instance an imperfection, which in this way his English disciple comes to be imputed to the Master, would if justly chargeable, be found chargeable not on the Master, but only on this disciple. But should it turn out that in turn[?] and this[?] instance this sort of injustice such as it is chance now and then to be committed, not that this is any other than a mere supposition for the purpose of the argument, - what would it matter? where would be the real, the practical mischief? For one who for instruction resorts all along or even to any considerable extent to the original, some dozen or some score will never look further than to this or some other, most probably to this the most instructive compend. Taking the original for its subject, the strictest[?] comment would be a comment - not on the art but on the language.

If on the occasion of any such imperfections reference were made not to the Greek original but[?] to this or that Greek or Latin Commentator or abridger, Volumes and Volumes might thus be written and none of them of any use.

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JB_101_152.xml

Title: [28 July 1814 '.2 Logic Ch.3]

Description: 28 July 1814 '.2

Logic

Ch.3 Aristotelian Præcognita

'.2 Aristotle's imperfections

4

1

Metaphysics sta[r]ted after Aristotle as a separate Discipline. Aristotle knew nothing of it only that it came out his head after physics. Confer other barbarous uncharacteristic appellations. Ex. gr. Legal - viz. Hanaper Pells - Green[?] wax[?] Petty Bag - Equity.

Ch.

'.2 Account given of Logic by the Aristotelians, its imperfections.

The account which[?] in this work of logic, is given of logic considered in regard to its nature and business, is before the reader: if the extent given to it in that account is not in a considerable part improper and irrelevant, the extent given to it by the Aristotelians will be seen to be incomplete.

Of the topics that presented themselves as appertaining to this art - appertaining to it in such sort that supposing any one omitted the account would pro tanto have been incompleat, the list is before the reader; if this list be a correct one, that given by the Aristotelians will be seen to be an incongruous one: on the one hand deficient, on the other hand redundant.

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JB_101_182.xml

Title: [16 Oct 1814 C.5 '.2 + Logic]

Description: 16 Oct 1814 C.5 '.2 +

Logic

Ch. │ │ Disputation

'.1. General Factors

1

1

Real art taught by the disputative branch - the art of causing to be distinguish[ed] that which you agree to from that which you disagree to: distinguishes the one from the other.

For 17 centuries, the delusion, the imposture reigned triumphant: it requires a Bacon to dethrone it. In Observation &c. behold he said the only true road to knowledge. Thus much he did: vast was the difficulty (in those days) as well as vast the case. Thus much Bacon did: more he did not do. He marked out the road but scarcely did he set his foot on it: and small was the success of the few steps he took in it.

Ch.

Of description: disputation, argumentation or debate: viz. of that branch of the Aristotelian logic which tutors that operation for its subject.

'.1. The disputative branch of Aristotle's logic - in which respects it failed.

In respect of miscarriage and success, the character and lot of the art of logic as taught by Aristotle may be considered as a sort of prototype of the art of alchemy as taught by the searchers after the universal medicine the universal solvent and the philosopher's stone. In both instances in respect of the ultimate object a compleat failure was the result: but in both instances, in consequence and in the course of the inquiry, particular discoveries of no inconsiderable use and importance were brought to light.

Of the art of logic, according to the declaration made by the Aristotelians the professed object was, the communication in which was necessarily implied the attainment of knowledge, correct and compleat knowledge, a perfect acquaintance with relation to every thing knowable every thing which by human faculties is capable of being known. Knowledge - not a slight superficial knowledge but correct and compleat, viz. such as it was in the nature of the instrument called demonstration to produce.

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