The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley.

CHAP. VI.

Of Dialectick Syllogisme.

a 1.1 DIalectick Syllogisme is that which concludes from probables; probables are those things which appear such to all, or to most, or only to the wise and most eminent.

b 1.2 Dialectick is a conjecturall Art, as Rhetorick and Medicine; ther••fore (like those) it attaineth not alwaies its end; it is enough for a Dialectick, that he omit nothing of his Art for conclu∣ding probably.

c 1.3 All disputation is of things controverted, either by Pro∣blem or proposition. A Problem questions both parts, as, a living Creature, is it the genus of man or not? A proposition questions but one part, as, Is not living creature the genus of man? Every propo∣sition and problem is either genus, (under which is contained the difference) definition, proprium, or accident.

d 1.4 Definition is a speech, signifying what a thing is. Proprium is that which declareth, not what a thing is, but is in it only, and reciprocall with it. Genus is that which is praedicated, in quid, of many that differ specifically. Accident is that which is neither definition, nor genus, nor proprium, and may be, or not be, in its subject.

e 1.5 Dialectick proposition is a probable interrogation, received by all or many, or the most excellent, yet so as it is not wholly alie∣nate from the common opinion.

f 1.6 Dialectick problem is threefold; practick or Morall, pertaining to election or repulse; Theoretick, pertaining to Science, neutrall, which conduceth to the rest, viz. Logick.

Thesis is a paradoxall sentence of some eminent Philosopher, contrary to the vulgar opinion.

g 1.7 Dialectick Arguments is twofold; Induction and Syllogism.

h 1.8 Arguments are gained by four instruments, 1. Choice of propo∣sitions. 2. Distinction of Aequivoques. 3. Invention of differences. 4. Consideration of Similitudes.

Problems are either universall or particular; the same places which confirm or confute one, confirm or confute the other. From proprium, genus, and definition is immediately and simply made Demonstration, but not from Accident, because that is exter∣nall, not necessarily and intimately inhaerent in the Subject. Wee shall not here say any thing of the multitude of places he hath invented, which are more necessary to those that will learn the Art, then suitable to this abridgement.

The Disputant must first find out a place (or medium) second∣ly, dispose and question it within himself; thirdly, propose it to his adversary.

In disputation against the learned, Syllogism is to be used, a∣gainst the vulgar induction.

i 1.9 The office of the opponent is to compell his respondent to this incredible and absurd consequent from his Thesis; of the Respon∣dent to take care, that nothing absurd bee collected from his The∣sis.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Topic. lib. 1. cap. 1.
• b 1.2

  Cap. 3.
• c 1.3

  Cap. 4.
• d 1.4

  Cap. 5. &c.
• e 1.5

  Cap. 10.
• f 1.6

  Cap. 11.
• g 1.7

  Cap. 12.
• h 1.8

  Cap. 13. &c.
• i 1.9

  Lib. 8. Cap. 4.