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

CHAP. XVII.

Of Quodammodotatives as to others.

THe last genus of things is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quodammodotatives as to others.a 1.1 Of these there are two kinds, Relatives, and quo∣dammodotative-Relatives. The Relatives are opposed and distingui∣shed from those which are by themselves, and absolute. The quodammodotative-relatives are opposed to those which have a dif∣ference, as for example, Sweet and Sowre, and whatsoever is of the like kinde, are relatives; but quodammodotative-relatives, are as the right side, father, and the like; for, they have a difference, in that they are characteriz'd by differences, according to some species. As therefore there is one notion of those which are by themselves, and absolute, another of those which are conside∣red with difference: so some things are relatives; others quo∣dammodotative-relatives. The consequence of conjunctions in these is contrary; for, with those which are by themselves, co∣exist those which have a difference; for, those which are by themselves have some differences, as white and black. But, those which are by themselves, coexist not with those which have a difference. Sweet and bitter have differences, whereby they are characterized; yet, they are not absolute, but relatives. But, those which are quodammodotative-relatives, being contrary to those which have differences, are likewise relatives. For, the right side, and a Father, besides that they are quodammodota∣tive, are likewise relatives: but, sweet and bitter being rela∣tives, have a difference, whereby they are contrary, being quo∣dammodotative relatives. Those which are quodammodotative relatives, it is impossible should be by themselves, and absolute, or by difference; for they depend solely upon relative habit. Relatives therefore are not by themselves, for they are not ab∣solute; yet, are they according to difference, because they are distinguished by some character. To expresse this more clearly, Relatives are those, which by their proper character respect an∣other; quodammodotative-relatives are those which use to hap∣pen to another, but not without mutation and alteration of those things which are about them; yet, with respect of some∣thing externall. If therefore any thing with difference respect another, it is only relative, as, habit, science, and sence: but, if it respect another, not out of inherent difference, but in pure ha∣bit, it is quodammodotative-relative. For, a Father, and right side, to their consistence, require some externall things, for as

much as there being no mutation made in them, he is no longer a Father, his Son being dead, and the right side is no longer so, after he is risen, in respect of whom it was said to be such; but, sweet and bitter will not alter, unlesse their power be likewise changed. If therefore quodammodotative are changed in habit to another, although they receive no passion in themselves, it is manifest they have their being in the habit alone, not in diffe∣rence.

a 1.2 This genus was first introduced by Aristo,b 1.3 who defined quodammodotative relatives to be those, whose being is the same with their quodammodotative being to one another: And so also An∣dronicus defines them.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Simplic, in Cat••g.
• a 1.2

  Laert. vit. Aristoni••.
• b 1.3

  Simplic. in Categ.