We may assume the superiority ceteris paribus [all things being equal] of the demonstration which derives from fewer postulates or hypotheses-in short from fewer premisses; for... given that all these are equally well known, where they are fewer knowledge will be more speedily acquired, and that is a desideratum. The argument implied in our contention that demonstration from fewer assumptions is superior may be set out in universal form... (Aristotle)

We may assume the superiority ceteris paribus [all things being equal] of the demonstration which derives from fewer postulates or hypotheses-in short from fewer premisses; for... given that all these are equally well known, where they are fewer knowledge will be more speedily acquired, and that is a desideratum. The argument implied in our contention that demonstration from fewer assumptions is superior may be set out in universal form...

Aristotle

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argument contention demonstration desideratum equal form given known knowledge set short superior superiority universal well things

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