Return to Porphyry, Introduction
1. Difference also and Peculiarity have this in common, that they are equally participated by their participants; for rational are equally rational animals, and risible are equally risible animals.
2. It is likewise common to both, to be always present, and. to every one. For though a biped should be mutilated, yet the term always is predicated with reference to that which is naturally adapted; since that which is risible has the always from natural adaptation, and not from always laughing.
3. But it is the Peculiarity of Difference, that it is frequently predicated of many Species; as rational, is predicated of angel and man; but Peculiarity is predicated of one Species, of which it is the Peculiarity.
4. And Difference indeed, follows those things of which it is the Difference, yet it does not also reciprocate; but peculiarities are reciprocally predicated of those things of which they are the peculiarities, in consequence of reciprocating.
Return to Porphyry, Introduction
The lessons published on this site are freely available to read. If you wish to move from reading to formal study — with graded assessments, academic records, and the support of the Academy — you may enroll at any time. Enrollment is open year round, to students of all ages.