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Ars Brevis | | |
7. Multiplying Figure 4
Part 7
Multiplying the Fourth Figure
The fourth figure is multiplied as follows:
the first camera BCD in the fourth figure or
in the table signifies that B has one
condition with C, and another with D; and
C has one condition with B and another
with D; and D has one condition with B
and another with C. In this way, this
camera contains six conditions with which
the intellect conditions and disposes itself
to investigate, find, objectify, prove and
determine the truth.
After these six conditions the intellect
acquires six other conditions, by revolving
the smallest circle and putting its E where
its D was under C of the middle circle.
Now as the cameras change, so do their
conditions. In this way, the intellect
habituates itself with twelve conditions,
and then goes on through other cameras
by multiplying and revolving the columns.
The conditions that the intellect multiplies
in this way are difficult to enumerate. The
intellect can evacuate thirty propositions
and ninety questions from each camera
just like it evacuated twelve statements
from camera BC of the third figure.
Here the intellect realizes that it has
reached a very general level of artificial
skill above another intellect ignorant of this
Art, and that it can refute inconsistencies
by showing a host of impossible
conclusions to which they lead. No
sophist can stand up against this kind of
intellect, because the intellect of an artist
trained in this Art uses primary and
natural conditions, whereas the sophist
uses secondary conditions taken out of
their natural context, as shown in Ars
Magna.
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