Aristotle



Topics

Book VIII
Chapter 4




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Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Topics

Translated by W. A. Pickard-Cambridge

Book VIII

Chapter 4


As to the formulation, then, and arrangement of one’s questions, about enough has been said.

With regard to the giving of answers, we must first define what is the business of a good answerer, as of a good questioner. The business of the questioner is so to develop the argument as to make the answerer utter the most extravagant paradoxes that necessarily follow because of his position: while that of the answerer is to make it appear that it is not he who is responsible for the absurdity or paradox, but only his position: for one may, perhaps, distinguish between the mistake of taking up a wrong position to start with, and that of not maintaining it properly, when once taken up.





Book VIII
Chapter 3


Book VIII
Chapter 5