Comparative Research On Mohist Doctrine Of "Tui Lei" And Aristotle's Theory Of Syllogism

Mohist doctrine of debate is the representative of Pre-qin dynasties logic and Aristotelian logic is the core of ancient Greece logic. Originating from different nation and culture, the both formed different individual styles in historical process in which they came into being and developed. Comparative research on the both is of great significance in aspects of understanding and appraising ancient China logic, grasping the development laws of logical science, exerting the function of logic in directing innovation and so on.The differences in chief type of inference are an important embodiment of the particularity of logic. The chief inference type of Mohist doctrine of debate is "Tui Lei", and that of the Aristotelian logic is Syllogism. Comparing the both kinds of logic from the angle of chief inference type, this article discussed them mainly from four aspects:First: the summarization of Mohist Doctrine of "Tui Lei" and Aristotle's Theory of Syllogism. In this part, the author defined the concepts of "Lei", "Tui Lei" and Syllogism, and introduced the main contents of the both inference.Second: The comparison of particularity on the theory of "Tui Lei" and Syllogism. From the differences of basis, character and logical property, the author made an in-depth comparison on the particularity of the both. In basis, 'Tui Lei" is based on the homology of "Lei" but Syllogism is based on the two generic moods of the first syllogistic figure. In character, the former emphasizes contents in spite of forms but the latter is formalized. In logical property, the former has the property of analogism but the latter is a type of deductive inference.Third: The comparison of reasons by which the both theories of inference formed individual particularity. The author analyzed the specific culture background of pre-qin dynasties and ancient Greece and the key action of culture background in forming the particularity of inference. It was discussed from the influence of language, the spirit of culture, and the condition of science and technology.Fourth: The comparison of innovation function of the both types of inference. The author discussed the action of "Tui lei" in promoting innovation of Chinese traditional mathematics, and the innovation function of analogism and deductive inference.This article is based on the intercommunity of logic and inclined to the view of questing for differences. Its intention is to give prominence to the influence and restriction which culture background exerted on logic, emphasize the importance of culture analysis methods in logic comparative research; furthermore, deepen our understanding about the innovation function of logic, and accordingly use logic to direct practice.