date

16 Oct 1814 C.5 '.2 + Logic
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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