LessonsModal Propositions: The Eight Simple ModalitiesQuiz

The commentary identifies the titular description as the property by which a subject is designated. Such a title may indicate a species, a genus or differentia, or a property external to the subject's essence.

Examples:
“Human”: humanity refers to the subject's species-character.
“Writer”: writing is a capacity or activity; the person may remain after that activity stops.
“White”: removal of whiteness does not necessarily destroy the object.

When a judgment says “while described as such,” one must identify which description sets the scope. Otherwise changing the subject's title can quietly change the claimed modality.

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The title-description versus the subject itself

Modal Propositions: The Eight Simple Modalities

The commentary identifies the titular description as the property by which a subject is designated. Such a title may indicate a species, a genus or differentia, or a property external to the subject's essence.

Examples:
“Human”: humanity refers to the subject's species-character.
“Writer”: writing is a capacity or activity; the person may remain after that activity stops.
“White”: removal of whiteness does not necessarily destroy the object.

When a judgment says “while described as such,” one must identify which description sets the scope. Otherwise changing the subject's title can quietly change the claimed modality.