Previously Unpublished Works of Roger Bacon, Fascicle 11: Questions on Aristotle's Metaphysics and On Plants (1932) - Page 17


It is asked whether the universal original: "universale." A universal is a general concept or category that can be applied to many individual things, such as the concept of "Circle" compared to a specific drawing of a circle. is more noble than the soul	149
It is asked whether the universal is only a pure intention original: "intentio." In medieval logic, an "intention" refers to a concept in the mind that "points to" or represents something in reality.	150

It is asked whether there are multiple universals	151
It is asked in which things universals are properly received	151
It is asked whether universals are necessary in the nature of things	155
It is asked whether it is possible for universals to remain if singular things original: "singularibus." These are individual, specific objects (like "this particular dog") as opposed to the general category (the universal "Dog"). are destroyed	156
(It is asked whether knowledge of the universal can exist if singular things do not exist)	157
(It is asked whether universals are posterior to singular things) To be "posterior" means to come after; Bacon is asking if the general category only exists because the individual things exist first.	158
It is asked whether universals are identical in essence with singular things	158

It is asked whether genera original: "genera" (plural of "genus"). These are broad classifications, like "Animal." are principles; it is asked whether universals are the principles of singular things	159
It is asked whether universals are principles of being alone (or of knowing the singular things themselves)	159
(It is asked whether the principles of being and of knowing are the same)	160
It is asked which of these is more of a principle: the genus or the species original: "species." A specific category within a genus, such as "Human" within the genus "Animal."	161
It is asked which of these is more noble	161
(It is asked which is more of a principle: the most general genus or the subordinate genus)	162
It is asked whether the genus is the principle of things by reason of power (essence or scope)	163
It is asked whether the genus is more divisible than the species	164
It is asked whether the genus can be preserved in a single species	164
It is asked why the species is preserved in a single individual, whereas the genus must necessarily be preserved in two species. It is asked whether the genus can be separated from the differences original: "differentiis." The specific characteristics that distinguish one species from another (e.g., "rationality" is the difference that distinguishes humans from other animals).	165
It is asked whether differences are principles	166
(It is asked whether differences are principles of genera or species)	166
(It is asked whether differences are finite or infinite)	166

Folio 2, verso, column 2.

(QUESTIONS ON THE BOOK "ON PLANTS")


It is asked here whether these three excel philosophy	173
It is asked whether it exalts science—namely, the desire for eternal happiness	173