Logical Theories of Theophrastus from Thomas Kuhn's "Normal Science" Perspective

Abstract

This research paper aims to investigating Theophrastus’ logical contributions and evaluating it in the light of Normal Science concept of Thomas S. Kuhn’s theory of science evolution, in both epistemological and logical levels, presenting theoretical justification for this approach firstly, Then, asking about the extent of Theophrastus’ modifications and additions response to the standards, features, characteristics and tasks of Kuhn’s normal science, whether on the level of propositions theory and what lies within of predication types, and discrimination between proposition negation and term negation, determinate and indeterminate propositions, and three terms’ propositions (Prosleptic proposition), multi quantification; or in syllogism’s theory from the aspect of adding the five moods to the first figure, and re-arranging syllogism’ moods, and relational syllogisms, and those with three terms premiss and hypothetical syllogisms; or in the modal logic whether in its re-defining of what is possible modal, and revising the concept of necessity and correcting the doctrine that the conclusion follows the weakest.

The paper argues, as a conclusion, that Theophrastus contributions lies, to a great extent, under a context of “normal science” concept, and responds to its standards and tasks, whether from an aspect of reformulation of Aristotelian Paradigm, or increasing its accuracy, precision, and expanding applications range. All that in the framework of general commitment to the paradigm as a common example, inclusive of disciplinary matrix and its terminology.