"I do believe for certain, that he [Aristotle] first procured, by the help of the senses, such experiments and observations as he could, to assure him as much as was possible of the conclusion, and that he afterwards sought out the means how to demonstrate it; for this is the usual course in demonstrative sciences. And the reason thereof is, because when the conclusion is true, by the help of the resolutive method, one may hit upon some proposition before demonstrated, or come to some principle known per se; but if the conclusion be false, a man may proceed in infinitum, and never meet with any truth already known."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Philosophers from GreecePolymathsNatural philosophersMathematicians from GreeceBiologists from Greece
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Aristotle
217 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Aristotle →
Related Quotes
"A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treat…"
"In general, people are more easily swayed by fear than inspired by reverence."
"The generality of men are naturally apt to be swayed by fear rather than reverence, and to refrain from evil rather b…"
"There can be no doubt that children should be taught those useful things which are really necessary, but not all thin…"
"Quien pájaro ha de tomar, no ha de ojear."
"All men by nature desire to know; the proof of this is the pleasure caused by sensations, for even apart from the use…"
"סנונית אחת אינה מבשרת את בוא האביב"
"En svala gör ingen sommar."
"One swallow does not make a summer."
"The majority of mankind and people who lack refinement conceive it to be pleasure, and hence they approve a life of s…"