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Composition
Definition
Because the parts of a whole have a certain property, it is argued
that the whole has that property. That whole may be either an object
composed of different parts, or it may be a collection or set of
individual members.
Examples:
- The brick wall is six feet tall. Thus, the bricks in the wall are six
feet tall.
- Germany is a militant country. Thus, each German is militant.
- Conventional bombs did more damage in W.W. II than nuclear
bombs. Thus, a conventional bomb is more dangerous than a
nuclear bomb. (From Copi, p. 118)
Proof:
Show that the properties in question are the properties of the whole,
and not of each part or member or the whole. If necessary, describe
the parts to show that they could not have the properties of the
whole.
References
(Barker: 164, Copi and Cohen: 117)
26 May 1995
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