Chapter 2: Comprehension and extension Flashcards
What are we discussing in this chapter?
the properties of simple apprehension
What are the two properties of simple apprehension?
The two properties of simple apprehension are comprehension and extension.
Is the concept ‘Man’ Simple or complex?
complex
Is the concept of “chair” simple or complex
simple
What was the philosopher Pluto’s tongue in cheek definition of man?
a featherless biped
Was Plato’s definition correct technically speaking?
Yes
What is the problem with Plato’s definition?
It doesn’t tell us many things about human beings that make up his nature or Essence.
What is the definition of comprehension?
Comprehension can be defined as the completely articulate sum of the intelligible aspects or elements (or notes) represented by a concept.
Define sentient
having senses, such a sight, hearing, etc.
Define material
having a body, rather than being purely spiritual
Define substance
being something rather than nothing
What are the simple Concepts we use to define a complex concept called?
Notes
How many notes does the concept animal have?
4
Using the idea of comprehension, what is the answer to the question “what is an animal?”
a sentient, living, material substance
How many notes does the concept man have?
5
Using the idea of comprehension, what is the answer to the question “what is a man?”
rational, sentient, living, material substance
What is the diagram invented by the third Century logician Porphyry I called?
The Porphyrian Tree
What does Porphyry’s invention help us to do?
It gives us a convenient way to break down a complex concept into the simple Concepts out of which it is made.
What is the second of the two properties of simple apprehension we studied in this chapter?
The second of the two properties of simple apprehension we studied in this chapter is the property of extension.
What is the answer to the question “what is the extension of the concept of man?”
All the men who have ever lived, who are living now, and who will ever live in the future.
What is the answer to the question - “ what is the extension of the concept ‘animal’?”
all the animals who have ever lived, who are living now, and who will live in the future.
distinguish between comprehension and extension
Comprehension tells us what the essence of a thing is; extension tells us the things to which that essence applies.
Which concept has greater comprehension, ’man’ or ’animal’?
Animal, because that are, have been, and will be more of them.
Which concept has greater extension, man or body?
Body
Which concept has greater comprehension, man or body?
Man
The greater the comprehension a concept has, the ____ extension it has; and the more extension it has, the ____ the comprehension Peter
less
Give the comprehension of the concept automobile
an automobile is a non-living material substance
give the extension of the concept automobile
all the automobiles that have ever been made, that are now being made, and that ever will be made
