OPAR definition in terms of fundamentals passage

[LoBagola]

I'm having trouble  / confused with the following passage from OPAR:

 

 

"A definition in terms of fundamentals can be formulated only by reference to one's full knowledge of the units. In order to identify a fundamental distinguishing characteristic (and a fundamental integrating characteristic—the genus), one must take into account all the known facts in the case. One must bear in mind how the units differ from other things, how they resemble other things, and what causal relationships obtain within these two sets of attributes. Only on this basis  can one establish that a certain characteristic is fundamental (within that context of knowledge)."

 

 

the attributes are differences and resemblances? I don't think a difference is an attribute. It's a property or some kinda relationship between attributes.

 

 

what is meant by "what casual relationships obtain within these two sets of attributes". What kind of casual relationships? How can you go within attributes?

 

 

On this basis - What basis? is it the basis of genus? or the previously mentioned attibutes / what casual relationships obtain.

 

I've been working through this book for months and I'm still not even half way

Edited March 27, 2013 by LoBagola

[Grames]

The units have many attributes, some resemble attributes held by other units (by other units meaning units one was not intending to include within the new concept). Ideally one of those attributes will be best taken as the genus because it causes the other resembling attributes.

The same can be said for differences.

The units have many attributes, some are distinct from attributes held by other units (by other units meaning units one was not intending to include within the new concept). Ideally one of those attributes that are different will be best taken as the differentia because it causes the other differentiating attributes.

"Ideally one" names the simplest kind of case, but a fundamental can be a compound of two or more attributes as needed.

It is not as you state "the attributes are differences and resemblances" but rather "differences and resemblances are found among the attributes". You are taking it backwards.

[Reidy]

Yes, difference is a relation, not an attribute.  Pleased that you are up on Aristotle.  The passage says that we observe differences (and similarities) among attributes.  If this shirt is white and that one is blue, the relation of difference holds between their respective color attributes.

Edited March 27, 2013 by Reidy