For it is not every
proposition nor yet every problem that is to be set down as
dialectical: for no one in his senses would make a proposition of what
no one holds, nor yet make a problem of what is obvious to everybody
or to most people: for the latter admits of no doubt, while to the
former no one would assent. Now a dialectical proposition consists
in asking something that is held by all men or by most men or by the
philosophers, i.e. either by all, or by most, or by the most notable
of these, provided it be not contrary to the general opinion; for a
man would probably assent to the view of the philosophers, if it be
not contrary to the opinions of most men. Dialectical propositions
also include views which are like those generally accepted; also
propositions which contradict the contraries of opinions that are
taken to be generally accepted, and also all opinions that are in
accordance with the recognized arts. Thus, supposing it to be a
general opinion that the knowledge of contraries is the same, it might
probably pass for a general opinion also that the perception of
contraries is the same: also, supposing it to be a general opinion
that there is but one single science of grammar, it might pass for a
general opinion that there is but one science of flute-playing as
well, whereas, if it be a general opinion that there is more than
one science of grammar, it might pass for a general opinion that there
is more than one science of flute-playing as well: for all these
seem to be alike and akin.
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