Abstract

We examine the dialectical function, of induction and intuitive intelligence (nous) in the acquisition of the first principles in Aristotle, emphasizing the analysis of APo I 18, II 19 and Topics I 2. We assert that the acquisition process requires induction, which leads us to perceive the universal in the particulars, the dialectic, and its criteria and tests based on endoxa, so then the first principles may be apprehended in an unequivocal way by intelligence (nous), disposition responsible for knowing principles. We notice induction as a method whereby we know the universal through the particulars, the dialectic as a methodological instrument supporting in the search of principles, more specifically, through definitions and nous as a faculty, noetic movement, which operates in an unfailing way in the intuition of the unprovables.

Keywords: Aristotle, knowledge, induction, dialectics, nous.