Paul Thom Knihy

The book provides a formal analysis of Aristotle's non-modal syllogistic, exploring the relationships between various syllogistic systems, sub-systems, and extensions, while addressing the fundamental nature of the syllogism. It synthesizes recent logical and philological work on the non-modal sections of the Analytics within a new formal system that merges Lukasiewicz's axiomatic approach with Corcoran and Smiley's natural deduction. This system is contextualized within the broader development of categorical syllogistic from Aristotle's time to the present, including systems with negative or singular terms and those with axiomatic structures for rejected formulae. The author demonstrates that Aristotle's syllogistic can be grounded in singular syllogisms using Aristotelian rules of ecthesis and offers a new explanation for Aristotle's incomplete logic of singular terms. An auxiliary theory is identified for systems based on propositional logic. The nature of the syllogism is examined syntactically, generalizing traditional rules to elucidate Aristotle's syntactic metatheory in Prior Analytics Book B. Additionally, a property defined by Smiley is employed to interpret semantic metatheorems by Aristotle. The semantic understanding of the syllogism is linked to a theory of fallacies, connecting to epistemic logic through the concept of petitio principii. This account of the syllogism is epistemological but not psychologistic, ap

Exploring the nature of opera, Paul Thom presents a compelling argument that operatic practices encompass work, interpretation, performance, and art. He asserts that both operatic works and their productions can be considered art forms in their own right, regardless of how well they interpret the original compositions. This perspective invites readers to reconsider the value and significance of opera beyond traditional interpretations.

The book explores the innovative attempts by medieval thinkers to reconcile the complex ontology of the Trinity with Aristotelian logic. It highlights their creative efforts to balance traditional Church teachings with philosophical rigor amidst the challenges of institutional politics. The narrative reveals the tensions that arose when theological, philosophical, and political considerations diverged, showcasing the intricate interplay between these domains during a pivotal historical period.

The book explores the parallels between scientific hypotheses and artistic interpretation, challenging the notion that only artists claim the role of 'interpreter.' It posits that both fields engage in a similar process of making sense of the world through diverse representations. By acknowledging the existence of multiple, valid interpretations, it presents a philosophical framework that emphasizes the interpretive endeavor as a means to integrate various significance systems.