Глава IX. О роде

With regard to homonyms, one should seek an answer to the following three questions: is the known name a homonym, how many objects does it designate, and which of them are we talking about. But first we need to say what a homonym is. We are dealing with a homonym when two objects or a large number of them have the same name, while each of them means something different and has a different nature, taking on different definitions. This is the case in this case with regard to gender, for gender is one of the homonyms. Firstly, genus is used to denote origin from a certain fatherland and from a certain parent, and in both cases it is understood in two ways: in a close and distant sense. The word clan is used to designate a close fatherland: for example, one coming from Jerusalem is called a Jerusalemite; to denote origin from a distant fatherland: for example, originating from Palestine is called Palestinian. In the same way, genus is used to denote descent from a near parent: for example, when Achilles, who was the son of Peleus, is called Pelides, and to denote descent from a distant ancestor. For example, when the same Achilles is called Aeacides after his grandfather Aeacus, for Aeacus was the father of Peleus. Further, the gens refers to the relationship of the ancestor to the many people descended from him: for example, all those who trace their origins from Israel are called Israelis. The considered meanings of the word genus of philosophy do not concern. Further, a genus is called something to which a species is subordinate. For example, humans, horses and other species are subordinate to animals. Therefore, an animal is a genus. This is the kind of thing that philosophers talk about. Defining it, we say: genus is something that affects many objects that differ in type and answers the question: what is an object? For example, animal as a genus is expressed in relation to man, horse, ox and many other creatures that differ in appearance, and answers the question: what is an object? In fact, one species is a man, another a horse and a third an ox. Rod speaks to the question: what is an object? When we are asked what a person is, we answer: an animal. The same is true with a horse, for when we are asked what a horse is, we say: an animal. Thus, the genus is that to which the species is subject [and again: the genus is that which is divided into species]. In fact, the genus is divided into species, is more general than the species, embraces species and is a higher concept in comparison with them. It should be noted that the more general concept is called higher. On the contrary, the less general, namely the subject in relation to its predicate, is called inferior. For there is a subject in relation to existence, namely substance, since it serves as the basis for the existence of an accident, since the accident is in it. And there is a subject in relation to the saying - it is less general, for the genus is predicated in relation to the species and the species is expressed in relation to individuals. It is clear that the genus has a greater community than the species, and the species has a greater community than the individuals. We will learn about all this in more detail later, with God’s help. Now, speaking about the genus, let's also talk about the species. You might be interested in: