Pal.lat.984

...before they are implied within it, as we have given in the three figure examples. This figure is so general that it contains and encompasses all other figures within itself, and the entire practice of this science remains implied within it. Hence, if the theory of this is understood—namely, this fourth figure alone—it is sufficient for knowing everything in this art. Thus far concerning the eighteen definitions of the principles.

The second distinction consists of the eighteen definitions of the principles and the explanations of the same; these definitions must indeed be learned by heart. The definitions of the principles are provided so that the practitioner may have knowledge of them in the intellect, moving from the point of origin through their application. original: "de puncto in motu"; Llull refers to the dynamic movement of terms on his combinatory wheels. Furthermore, let judgments be made regarding facts according to the definitions and their explanations, as well as conclusions reached by affirming or denying; thus, if the definitions agree with an affirmative conclusion, that affirmative conclusion is held; but if they are contrary, the negative is held. What Goodness is and its explanation.

Goodness is a being by reason of which the good acts well, original: "bonum agit bonum"; this can also be translated as "the good produces goodness." and thus "to be" is good and "not to be" is evil. That which we have said about goodness was its definition, and that which we still intend to say about it will be the explanation and investigation of its definition which we perform to understand goodness. We act substantially and accidentally so that knowledge of its own essence or existence may be held; through that knowledge entering into the essence of goodness, we can possess and know its nature, which we shall hold to in all the principles of this present science.

Goodness is a general principle ens generale A "general being" or universal category that applies to all things beneath it. from which nothing can become good [without it]; for if it could, goodness would not be a general principle for all special goodnesses, for from this it would follow that all goodnesses would be special principles. From this many inconsistencies would follow, such that species could exist without genera in all real things, and individuals without species; and because these inconsistencies are impossible, it is manifest that goodness is a general principle by reason of which the good acts well, since "to be" is good and its privation would be evil—if its privation were brought about by reason of malice original: "malicie"; in this context, it refers to the quality of badness or evil as the opposite of goodness.. For some "evils" are performed by reason of goodness, namely the evil of punishment for the sake of justice; such an evil is indeed a good, and its privation would be an evil. Furthermore, goodness is a substantial and accidental principle in a substance constituted and composed of goodness and—