# The Commens DictionaryQuote from ‘On a New List of Categories’

Quote:

In an argument, the premises form a representation of the conclusion, because they indicate the interpretant of the argument, or representation representing it to represent its object. The premises may afford a likeness, index, or symbol of the conclusion. In deductive argument, the conclusion is represented by the premises as by a general sign under which it is contained. In hypotheses, something like the conclusion is proved, that is, the premises form a likeness of the conclusion. Take, for example, the following argument: -

M is, for instance, PI, PII, PIII, and PIV;
S is PI, PII, PIII, and PIV:
.·. S is M.

Here the first premise amounts to this, that “PI, PII, PIII, and PIV” is a likeness of M, and thus the premises are or represent a likeness of the conclusion.

Date:
1867
References:
W 2:58; CP 1.559
Citation:
‘Hypothesis [as a form of reasoning]’ (pub. 28.01.13-21:03). Quote in M. Bergman & S. Paavola (Eds.), The Commens Dictionary: Peirce's Terms in His Own Words. New Edition. Retrieved from http://www.commens.org/dictionary/entry/quote-new-list-categories-6.
Posted:
Jan 28, 2013, 21:03 by Sami Paavola
Last revised:
Jan 07, 2014, 01:00 by Commens Admin