SI 6 Modality. [CHAP. xm. 



and modal propositions, but even more complicated and 

 unsatisfactory in its treatment, was that between pure and 

 modal syllogisms. The thing discussed in the case of the 

 latter was, of course, the effect produced upon the conclusion 

 in respect of modality, by the modal affection of one or both 

 premises. It is only when we reach such considerations as 

 these that we are at all getting on to the ground appropriate 

 to Probability; but it is obvious that very little could be 

 done with such rude materials, and the inherent clumsiness 

 and complication of the whole modal system come out very 

 clearly here. It was in reference probably to this complica 

 tion that some of the bitter sayings 1 of the schoolmen and 

 others which have been recorded, were uttered. 



Aristotle has given an intricate investigation of this sub 

 ject, and his followers naturally were led along a similar 

 track. It would be quite foreign to my purpose in the slight 

 sketch in this chapter to attempt to give any account of 

 these enquiries, even were I competent to do so ; for, as has 

 been pointed out, the connection between the Aristotelian 

 modals and the modern view of the nature of Probability, 

 though real, is exceedingly slight. It need only be remarked 

 that what was complicated enough with four modals to be 

 taken account of, grows intricate beyond all endurance when 

 such as the probable and the true and the false have 

 also to be assigned a place in the list. The following exam 

 ples 2 will show the kind of discussions with which the logi- 



1 &quot;Haud scio magis ne doctri- 2 Smiglecii Disputationes, Ingol- 



nam modalium scholastic! exercue- stadt, 1618. 



rint, quam ea illos vexarit. Certe See also Prantl s Geschichte der 



usque adeo sudatum hie fuit, ut die- Logik (under Occam and Buridan) 



terio locus sit datus ; De modalibus for accounts of the excessive com- 



non gustabit asinus.&quot; Keckermann, plication which the subtlety of those 



fiyst. Log. Bk. u. ch. 3. learned schoolmen evolved out of 



such suitable materials. 



