Return to Aristotle, On Interpretation
1. Affirmation is the enunciation of something concerning something.
2. Negation is the enunciation of something from something.
3. Since, however, it is possible– to speak of what is inherent as if it was not inherent; to speak of what is not inherent as if it was inherent; to speak of what is inherent as if it was inherent; and speak of what is not inherent as if it was not inherent; and in a similar manner about the times which are external to the present; then it is possible that whatever any one affirms may be denied, and that whatever any denies may be affirmed. Hence it is evident, that: There is a negation opposite to every affirmation, and an affirmation opposite to every negation.
4. And let this be called “contradiction”; affirmation and negation being opposites.
5. But I say, that the enunciation of the same thing is opposed synonymously, and not homonymously, or such other particulars of this kind, as we have concluded against the annoyances of the sophists.
Return to Aristotle, On Interpretation
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