100 ARI 4/1

Librería 6. Estante 2.

Getting through this book was a trial. I had set myself the task of doing it and I finally finished it.
The Organon comprises the Categories, On Interpretation, Prior Analytics, Posterior Analytics, Topics and On Sophistical Refutations--basically, Aristotle's complete works dedicated to logic. I admit that as pedantic and as dry as Aristotle has a tendency to be, this collection of works impressed me to a degree. Aristotle had an incredibly meticulous mind and he set a philosophical precedent with works like these. That being said, Aristotle isn't the most engaging writer. When a writer doesn't engage me, it's incredibly hard for me to stay focused on their subject matter. With this book I had to keep bringing my attention back and even re-read whole paragraphs when my mind started to drift--which was often.
Just to give an example of Aristotle's pedantry: he spends probably a quarter of the book--if not more--on syllogisms like A is all/some/none of B, but all/some/none of C, where one particular relationship is considered and then another, e.g. A is all of B, some of C but none of D. This kind of syllogism is explored to the point of nauseous tedium. When he explores the difference between substance and quality and how categorical definitions function, you seem to be in more practical territory. I think the portion dedicated to logical fallacies is probably the more interesting of what is treated here. Most of that is found in volume 6: On Sophistical Refutations.
Honestly, I probably should give a longer review because of how long the book was, but I didn't find it engaging enough to warrant the effort. I am giving the book a good review because, like I said above, it was a pioneering philosophical endeavor and essential Aristotle; and as far as works go that help set reasonable logical parameters for dialectic and discourse, it is to be recommended as a basic and preliminary text. I also have to commend the editor Roger Bishop Jones for his effort in preparing this particular edition. ( )

Read the 1954 reprint, in English.

Wow, what a guy.....he is on top of the discussion game. Wow. ( )

17 cm. (8vo)"Lugduni, Excudebat Petrus Fradin, M.D.LIII"--Colophon.Edited by Antonio Francino.Printer's woodcut crab device on t.p.; initials (some historiated); side-notes; partly italic type.