Return to Porphyry, Introduction
1. And thus, we have shown in what Genus differs from the other four. It happens also that each of the other four differs from the rest; so that since there are five, and each of the four differs from the others, it would seem that all the Differences which are produced will be twenty.
2. This however is not the case, but always those which are successive are con-numerated. And the second is deficient by one Difference, because it has been already assumed; the third is deficient by two Differences; the fourth by three; and the fifth by four. Hence, all the Differences will be ten; viz. four, three, two, and one. For we have shown in what respect Genus differs from Difference, Species, Peculiarity, and Accident. There are therefore four Differences. We also showed in what respect Difference differs from Genus, when we explained in what respect Genus differs from it. It remained therefore to say in what respect it differs from Species, Peculiarity, and Accident; and three Differences are produced. Again, it was said by us in what respect Species differs from Difference, when we explained in what respect Difference differs from Species. And it was shown by us in what respect Species differs from Genus, when we’ explained in what Genus differ from Species. It remained therefore to say, in what respect Species differs from Peculiarity and Accident. These therefore are two Differences. At length, it remained to be explained, in what respect Peculiarity differs from Accident; for in what respect it differs from Species, Difference and Genus, was before explained by us, in the Difference of those from these. Hence, as four Differences of Genus with respect to the rest are assumed, but three of Difference, two of Species, and one of Peculiarity with respect to Accident, all the Differences will be ten; four of which, viz. the Differences of Genus with respect to the rest, we have already shown.
Return to Porphyry, Introduction
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