The Theoretical Unity of Aristotle’s Categorical Syllogistic and Sophistics

Abstract

ABSTRACT The hypothesis of a theoretical unity between On Sophistical Refutations and Prior Analytics presents a major challenge to scholars attempting to unify the criteria of analysis. This paper examines this problem and proposes a middle ground between the perspectives of Woods and Boger to address this crucial question: If a unitary and coherent theory of deduction exists, why does not the technical apparatus of syllogistic modes for analyzing fallacies appear in SE? This paper makes useful contributions to the discussion on the internal unity of Aristotle's logical writings on around categorical syllogistics and the doctrine of sophistical refutations.