This rule is to be observed in cases where the difference
of meaning is undetected; for supposing this to be obvious, then the
other man will object that the point which he himself questioned has
not been discussed, but only the other point. This commonplace rule is
convertible for purposes both of establishing and of overthrowing a
view. For if we want to establish a statement, we shall show that in
one sense the attribute belongs, if we cannot show it of both
senses: whereas if we are overthrowing a statement, we shall show that
in one sense the attribute does not belong, if we cannot show it of
both senses. Of course, in overthrowing a statement there is no need
to start the discussion by securing any admission, either when the
statement asserts or when it denies the attribute universally: for
if we show that in any case whatever the attribute does not belong, we
shall have demolished the universal assertion of it, and likewise also
if we show that it belongs in a single case, we shall demolish the
universal denial of it. Whereas in establishing a statement we ought
to secure a preliminary admission that if it belongs in any case
whatever, it belongs universally, supposing this claim to be a
plausible one.
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