date

29 Sept. 1814 Logic 3
29 Sept. 1814

Logic

3

Ch.2. Ontology

Entities classed

25

19

In regard to the word subject {as well as the word object} one convenience is - that it may be used in the plural number. It is in contradistiction to /This word to the [...?]/ which the word field that this convenience belongs to it is the word field. For a group of numerous and comparatively small entities, the word field will not, either in the singular or in the plural, conveniently serve; but to this same purpose the word subject, if employed in the plural, is perfectly well adapted.

If beneath the imagined line of action you have need to bring to view not merely one extensive fictitious immoveable body, but a multitude of smaller moveable bodies lying on it, here comes an occasion for the use of both these terms: viz. field and subject, or subjects: the field is the extensive immoveable entity, the subjects the comparatively numerous and less extensive bodies, fixed or lying loose upon the surface of it.

In the place of the word field, as well as in place of the word subject the words subject matter may be employed: so also in the plural subject matters. But if in addition to an extensive surface you have to bring to view a group /multitude/ of smaller bodies stationed on it and if in that case instead of the word field you employ the word subject-matter, you will find that you can not commodiously after laying down your subject matter have subjects stationed on it.

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    '.4. Characteristic the 3 d. - Subjectmatters or Subjects of Logic.

    Subject matters and subjects - As to these expressions, they are not pregnant with any such delusive allusions as above; but they do not come up to the purpose there in question: and there is another purpose for which they are in demand.

    Field is wanted for the designation of the whole of the expanse. Fields in the plural are seldom wanted. Subjectmatter and subject are wanted for the expression of this or that particular article considered as situated on or within the compass of this or that field: accordingly in the plural number as well as in the singular there is a continual demand for these words.

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    Real entities and fictitious entities - to one or other of these denominations will be found referable every thing which with reference to this art can be considered as comprized under the denomination of a subject.

    Name of a real entity name of a fictitious entity - to one or other of these denominations will accordingly be found referable every word belonging to the class of those which in the language of Grammarians are distinguished by the appellative of noun substantives.

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    In the case where the action in question is a physical, a corporeal one, a question might perhaps arise whether the entities respectively designated by the words subject and object, belong to the class of real or fictitious entities: a platform on which you stand to shoot an arrow, a butt at which you shoot your arrow, to these could not be refused the appellation of real entities. But in so far as upon the platform you superinduce the character designated by the word subject, and upon the butt the character designated by the word object; of this subject and this object it might be insisted that they are but so many names of fictitious entities.

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    But /Be this as it may/ in the case in which the action in question is an incorporeal - a psychical action - having no other field than the mind, or that what is in the mind, in this case the title of the words subject and object, as well as of the word field, to the appellation of fictitious entities, will be seen to be clear of doubt.

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  • Title: [28 Sept. 1814 Logic 2]
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    Once placed upon the carpet /introduced into the field/, the fictitious entity called Relation, [...?] /swells/ into an extent such as to swallow up all the others. Every other fictitious entity is seen to be but a mode of this.

    The most extensive and in its conception simple of all relations, i.e. of all modes or modifications of the fictitious entity, denominated relation, is that of Place, with its submodifications.

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    Existence with its several modifications or correspondent fictitious entities non-existence - futurity, actuality, potentiality, necessity, possibility and impossibility will with most convenience close the rear. Though still more extensive than even relation, they could not be brought to view before it, being applicable to all other relations, to relations of all sorts, and in a word, to entities, whether fictitious or real, of all sorts, - no complete, or so much as correct view of their nature and character could be given, till these less extensive ones had been brought to view.

    38