Wieloznaczność orzekania w Topikach 1.15

Abstract

This paper discusses Aristotle’s account of multivocity (πο αχῶς/ πλεοναχῶς λέγεται) as expounded in Topics 1.15. is article argues that an inquiry into how many ways (ποσαχῶς) something is said becomes for Aristotle a tool of dialectical examination that he employs throughout his entire philosophical career: investigating the many/multiple ways (πο αχῶς/πλεοναχῶς) something is said allows one to recognize the ambiguity of the term in question and, consequently, to construct an adequate de nition of its referent. e present study reconstructs the various strategies for detecting ambiguity and discusses its diferent types. Subsequently, the paper accounts for why Aristotle moves so easily from words and their meanings to things and their essences. Finally, the article presents an analysis of the connection between the many ways something is said and the various categories it is predicated in. e considerations are supported by a new translation of Topics 1.15.