12.3 tnct _ terms n supposition

Terms

• Definition: A term is a sensible conventional sign, expressive of an idea, that must be able to be perceived by the sense faculty of man, including written and spoken words.

Kinds of Terms

1. From the Standpoint of Perfect and Imperfect Signification

   • Univocal: Used in an identical sense.

   • Equivocal: Used in entirely different meanings.

   • Analogous: Applied to unlike but related things; meanings are partly similar and partly different.

     • Proportion: Applied to unlike things due to some proportion or resemblance.

     • Attribution: Applied in an absolute sense to one thing, then attributed to others based on their relation to the first.

   • Fixed: Signification remains constant.

   • Vague: Subject to many shades of meaning; meaning shifts based on speaker's viewpoint.

2. From the Standpoint of Comprehension

   • Positive/Negative:

     • Positive: Signifies a real, actual thing.

     • Negative: Signifies the absence of a thing.

   • Concrete/Abstract:

     • Concrete: Has materiality.

     • Abstract: Lacks materiality.

   • Simple/Compound:

     • Simple: Consists of a single word.

     • Compound: Consists of more than one word.

   • Connex/Disparate:

     • Connex: One idea includes or excludes another (e.g., "father – child").

     • Disparate: Neither necessarily include nor exclude each other (e.g., "man – black").

   • Real/Logical:

     • Real: Terms of ‘first intention’; commonly used words.

     • Logical: Terms of ‘second intention’; rarely used words.

3. From the Standpoint of Extension

   • Singular: Applies to one individual only.

   • Universal: Expresses an idea applicable to all members of a class.

   • Particular: Universal term used partially and indeterminately (e.g., some, many).

   • Collective: Represents a class idea but not necessarily individuals taken singly.

Supposition

• Definition: Use of a term for the thing it signifies.

Kinds of Supposition

1. Material/Formal

   • Material: Considered merely as a word, without regard for its inherent meaning.

   • Formal: Considered according to its signification.

     • Logical: Used according to its logical existence.

     • Real: Used for anything in its natural existence.

       • Absolute: Designates nature without reference to individuals.

       • Personal: Signifies both nature and the bearers of that nature.

       • Collective: Applies to all together, not singly.

       • Distributive: Used for all individuals taken singly and together.

2. Complete/Incompletely Distributive

   • Complete: Includes all individuals, species, and genera.

   • Incomplete: Applies only to species and genera, not individuals.

Definition

• Definition: Statement explaining what a thing is.

Types of Definitions

1. Nominal: Explains what a word means.

2. Real: Explains what a thing is in itself.

   • Essential (Quidditative): Explains essence or nature using proximate genus and specific differentia.

   • Descriptive: Explains a thing by enumerating positive but non-essential elements.

     • Distinctive: By properties.

     • Genetic: By origin or production processes.

     • Causal: By means of causes (efficient or final).

     • Accidental: Characteristics neither essential nor necessarily related.

Division

• Definition: Resolving a whole into its parts.

Kinds of Division

1. Real (Actual): Resolution into natural parts independent of the mind.

   • Physical Division: Into component physical parts.

     • Essential Parts: Necessary for being; absence ceases being.

     • Integral Parts: Belong to nature but their absence doesn't cease being.

     • Homogeneous Parts: Same kind throughout.

     • Heterogenous Parts: Different kinds.

   • Metaphysical Division: Divides an essence into metaphysical parts.

2. Logical: Resolving a universal idea into its members through synthesis, dividing a ‘logical whole’ into its component parts.

Rules of Division

1. Adequate Division: All parts equal the whole; no omissions or overlaps among members.

2. Clear Division: Orderly, gradual process; avoid leaps between classes.