POSTERIOR ANALYTICS Meaning and
Definition
-
Posterior Analytics refers to a philosophical work attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. This treatise forms a part of Aristotle's Organon, a collection of works on logic and scientific methodology. The term "posterior" in this context indicates that this work comes after Aristotle's earlier treatise, the Prior Analytics.
In the Posterior Analytics, Aristotle explores the nature and methods of scientific reasoning and investigation. He focuses specifically on the concepts of demonstration and scientific knowledge, aiming to understand the process through which we acquire knowledge about the world based on a series of prior truths or premises.
Aristotle's central claim in the Posterior Analytics is that scientific knowledge is attainable through demonstration, which is a form of deductive reasoning. According to him, demonstration involves presenting a series of logical steps that connect the conclusion to certain premises that are absolutely true and known. Through this deductive process, we can arrive at truths that are necessary and universal.
The Posterior Analytics also examines the nature of scientific principles, defining them as necessary truths upon which demonstrations are built. In addition, Aristotle outlines the concept of the "scientist," who possesses a specific kind of knowledge and understanding gained through demonstration.
Overall, the Posterior Analytics is a significant work in the history of philosophy and science, as it attempts to outline the methodology necessary for acquiring scientific knowledge and understanding the process of demonstration.
Etymology of POSTERIOR ANALYTICS
The term "posterior analytics" comes from the combination of two Latin words: "posterior" meaning "later" or "following" and "analytics" referring to the branch of logic that deals with reasoning and analysis. However, the origin of the term itself can be traced back to Ancient Greek.
In Ancient Greek philosophy, Aristotle's work on logical reasoning was divided into two main parts: the "Prior Analytics" (Analytics Proteron) and the "Posterior Analytics" (Analytics Hysteron). The term "posterior" in this context refers to these works being written later in Aristotle's corpus after the "Prior Analytics".
It is important to note that the original Greek terms for "prior" and "posterior" were not necessarily used in a temporal sense, but rather to indicate a logical sequence.
