From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordSyllogismos is an inference in which statements support a conclusion.
- In StobaeusThe discussion of mechanics distinguishes knowing what a thing is, knowing why, and knowing that it exists or is so.
- In this edition“Inference” avoids imposing an unstated formal pattern; “syllogism” is appropriate when such a pattern is actually relevant.
- A place to beginInference and perceptual confirmation are distinguished as ways of establishing a fact.
- English renderings
- inference; syllogism
Meaning
Syllogismos is an inference in which statements support a conclusion. The word alone does not identify a particular textbook arrangement of premises.
Use in the book
The discussion of mechanics distinguishes knowing what a thing is, knowing why, and knowing that it exists or is so. Reason establishes a fact through inference, while perception can confirm an account. In this setting, inferential and perceptual support have different functions within explanation.
Places to read
- I.41.5.4Inference and perceptual confirmation are distinguished as ways of establishing a fact.
Translation in this edition
“Inference” avoids imposing an unstated formal pattern; “syllogism” is appropriate when such a pattern is actually relevant.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 283–284. The difficult final construction is retained in the edition rather than replaced by an apparatus suggestion.