When Aristotle explains in general terms what he tries to do in his
philosophical works, he says he is looking for "first principles" (or
"origins"; archai):
In every systematic inquiry (methodos) where there are first principles,
or causes, or elements, knowledge and science result from acquiring
knowledge of these; for we think we know something just in case we acquire
knowledge of the primary causes, the primary first principles, all the way
to the elements. It is clear, then, that in the science of nature as
elsewhere, we should try first to determine questions about the first
principles. The naturally proper direction of our road is from things better
known and clearer to us, to things that are clearer and better known by
nature; for the things known to us are not the same as the things known
unconditionally (haplôs). Hence it is necessary for us to progress,
following this procedure, from the things that are less clear by nature, but
clearer to us, towards things that are clearer and better known by nature.
(Phys. 184a10-21)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Catania" <zrosumg...@aol.com>
To: <vortex-l@eskimo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Vo]:E-cat news at Nyteknik
If you want the response from Sun Tzu study it yourself. If you have
nothing to say why refer me to Sun Tzu. Are you saying he does have
something to say?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Terry Blanton" <hohlr...@gmail.com>
To: <vortex-l@eskimo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: [Vo]:E-cat news at Nyteknik
On Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 6:11 PM, OrionWorks - Steven V Johnson
<svj.orionwo...@gmail.com> wrote:
The implication I derive from Mr. Catania's response is
that he does not often seem to consider the possibility that his own
crafted assessments might occasionally be prone to similar mistakes.
It does seem to imply that there is an inflated ego involved somewhere
in his analysis.
I suggested he study Sun Tzu and he did not bother to respond. Maybe
he is Sun Tzu reincarnated? At least *that* would understandable.
T
