Humanitext Reader

Theophrastus · Fragments §66.1

Conditions for the Unity and Continuity of Definition

Passage 65 of 196 · Greek

Summary

Theophrastus argues on the unity of definition, stating that a definition is a single speech because it defines a single subject and must be uttered continuously without interruption.

§66.1Fr. 66 Th. de Affirmatione et negatione sic docuit, definitionem unam semper orationem eamque oportere continuatim proferri: illa enim una oratio esse dicitur, quae unius substantiae ̓εεὶξιω est.
Theophrastus in *On Affirmation and Negation* taught thus: that a definition is always a single speech, and that it must be uttered without interruption; for that is said to be a single speech which is the presentation of a single substance.
Definitio autem, ut v. gr. hominis, animal gressibile bipes, una est oratio per hoc, quoniam unum subjectum i. e. hominem ὁε.
But a definition, as for example of "human," "a two-footed walking animal," is a single speech by virtue of this: because it defines a single subject, that is, human.
Sin vero quis dividat et orationem unam rem significantem proferendi intermissione distribuat, multiplex fit oratio.
But if anyone should divide it and distribute a speech signifying a single thing by an interruption of uttering, the speech becomes multiple.

Notes

  1. §66.1̓εεὶξιω — A corrupted Greek word in the manuscript. Judging from the context and Aristotle's *De Interpretatione*, it is likely a corruption of `δεῖξις` (presentation, deixis) or `ἔκθεσις`. It is translated here as "presentation."
  2. §66.1ὁε. — Likely an abbreviation or corruption of the Greek verb `ὁρίζει` (defines, limits). In connection with the preceding `Definitio` and the object `hominem`, it is most naturally interpreted as meaning "defines."
  3. §66.1proferendi intermissione — `proferendi` is the genitive of the gerund of `proferre` (to utter, pronounce), modifying `intermissione` (interruption, ablative). It means "by an interruption of uttering."

Cite this passage

Theophrastus, Fragments §66.1. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0093.tlg010x09.humanitext-grc1:66.1

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