The Possibility and Fruitfulness of a Debate on the Principle of Non-contradiction

Abstract

Five major stances on the problems of the possibility and fruitfulness of a debate on the principle of non-contradiction (PNC) are described: Detractors, Fierce supporters, Demonstrators, Methodologists and Calm supporters. We show what Calm supporters have to say on the other parties wondering about the possibility and fruitfulness of a debate on PNC. The main claim is that one can find all the elements of Calm supporters already in Aristotle’s works. In addition, we argue that the Aristotelian refutative strategy, originally used for dealing with detractors of PNC in Metaphysics, has wider implications for the possibility and fruitfulness of an up-to-date debate on PNC, at least in exhibiting some serious difficulties for the other parties.