Глава LXVIII. О четырех диалектических приемах

It should be borne in mind that there are four dialectical or logical devices: dividing - which divides the genus into species through intermediate differences; determinative - which, based on the genus and differences identified by the dividing technique, determines the subject subject; analytical – decomposing a more complex subject into its simplest components, i.e. the body - into juices, juices - into fruits, fruits - into four elements, elements - into matter and form; demonstrative - which proves the stated position through the middle term. For example, I need to prove that the soul is immortal. I take some middle term, for example, “in constant motion,” and construct the following syllogism: “the soul is in continuous motion; that which is in continuous motion is immortal; therefore, the soul is immortal." It should be kept in mind that syllogisms form part of the proof. It should be noted that there are three types of analysis. There is a physical analysis, like the one mentioned above. There is a logical analysis, when we dissect a given syllogism, bringing it under the appropriate figure. There is a mathematical analysis, when we, having accepted what we are looking for as known, reach something undoubted, concluding from here to the truth of the position to be proven. Let the question we are looking for be: “Is the soul immortal”? I accept this sought-after as known and say: if the soul is immortal, then there is a reward for good and bad deeds. And if there is retribution, then there is a judge and a judge. If there is a judge and a judge, then there is a Provider and Providence. Hence, finally, putting everything together, I say: since there is providence and a Judge, there is also reward; and since there is reward, there is also one who is judged. If there is a judge, then it is necessary that the soul be immortal. You might be interested in: