Aristotleʼs Logikē (Art of formal argument) : Theoretical foundation of Dialectic and Ontology

Aristotle's development of his method of dialectic is carried out not dialectically in the realm of opinion, but philosophically through the logikē method. This formal and universal dimension is ultimately founded in the most certain principle of non-contradiction. It constitutes the art of argument which offers the basis for logic as well as ontology. Since Aristotle devised 'dialectic' at an earlier stage in his career, the theoretical part of dialectic, as the logikē art of argumentation, can be employed in all his other theoretical works, even if the peirastic practice of dialectic remains a peculiarity of the Topics. I shall argue that (a) the method of Aristotelian dialectic consists of theories of (a1)(a2) terms and predications and (a3) topos and (a4) syllogism. This method is at work not only in this undertaking edited as the Topics but also in his theories of demonstration and being in other undertakings. Only when the theories of demonstration and being are added, can Aristotle complete his project, to show how an Academician can act as both a philosopher with knowledge and as a dialectician who dialectically examines any thesis proposed. This is because he began his initial project with aim of strengthening weak Socratic dialectic by establishing a formal system to grasp what a thing is. When Aristotle composed and edited the Topics, he reflected on the history of his project, mentioning at various occasions the products of other undertakings as well. Through these theoretical studies, such as the theories of division and demonstration, he can describe one goal of initial project as submitting and defending a thesis more specifically 'as the person having knowledge' (Top.I1. 100a20, IX32. 183b3). No one can deny that one can defend oneʼs thesis better, if one has knowledge