Aristóteles y los límites de la dialéctica. Notas sobre el arte del la crítica (peirastikê)

Abstract

The paper deals with the art of cross-examination or probe (peirastikê) wich is, according to Aristotle, a part of dialectic and aims at revealing false pretensions to knowledge. A detailed discussion of the relevant passages from the Sophistical Refutations shows that "peirastic" arguments were not easily distinguishable form the arguments used by the sophists against the scientists in order to undermine their reputation. It is also shown that the difficulty of telling dialectic from sophistry is a theme Aristotle inherits from Plato's Sophist.