The topic of this paper is Aristotle’s ‘proof by refutation’ of the Principle of Non-Contradiction (Metaphysics Γ 4, 1006a11–1007a20). I consider a worry which has often been raised in connection with this proof. The worry is that, faced with an opponent who is prepared to tolerate contradictions, the argument is dialectically powerless: it is incapable of getting them to abandon their position. In reply, I argue that the proof needs to be seen in its proper context, that is, as part of Aristotle’s response to an opponent who demands a demonstration of the principle. This allows us to clarify the purpose of the argument and answer the worry about its effectiveness.

中文翻译：

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谁需要不矛盾原理的证明？


本文的主题是亚里士多德对不矛盾原理的“反驳证明”（形而上学 Γ 4, 1006a11–1007a20）。我考虑到经常有人提出与这个证明有关的担忧。令人担心的是，面对一个愿意容忍矛盾的对手，辩证的论证是无力的：它无法让他们放弃自己的立场。作为回应，我认为证明需要在适当的背景下看待，也就是说，作为亚里士多德对要求证明该原理的对手的回应的一部分。这使我们能够澄清论证的目的并回答对其有效性的担忧。