The purpose of this dissertation is to clarify Aristotle's conception of the nature and utility of the dialectical tools, as well as to help in establishing proof for the existence of a coherence between his logical theory and his philosophical practice. The first book of the Topics is unanimously considered to be Aristotle's introduction to his dialectical method. Thus, a certain familiarity with this book is necessary for whomever undertakes a study of one of its fundamental elements, such as the (...) tools. The first part of the dissertation is, therefore, devoted to this task. After situating the tools in the Topics, we will study Aristotle's proemium , especially as concerns the presentation of the dialectical argument and the goals of dialectic. For it is in order to procure such arguments that the tools are said to be useful, and it is how Aristotle uses the method for one of the aforesaid purposes that we will be studying later. We will then examine the chapters devoted to the parts of the dialectical argument . Among these are the predicables, which enter into the constitution of the propositions that will be laid down as dialectical problems, or taken as dialectical premises. Now, it is precisely because the tools furnish such premises that they allow us to obtain an abundance of arguments apt to solve such problems. These arguments can be syllogisms or inductions. We will next analyze Aristotle's presentation of the four tools . After which, we will propose a more essential and complete definition of them than is usually assigned. They are in fact described by Aristotle and his commentators in terms of the abundance of dialectical arguments they serve for. To my mind, however, it is better to speak of them as abilities ordered to obtaining probable premises. In the second part, we will examine the use made of the tools in certain sections of the De Anima and the Metaphysica. We will thus be in a better position to verify that when he is arguing dialectically, he is really using the tools as he described them in the Topics and as we explained them. Finally, we will propose a few explanations of the use of the tools in those passages where it seems that it is more a question of knowing than of dialectical reasoning. (shrink)

Many physiotherapists are reluctant to treat a client with bone metastases, as treatment indications are not clearly defined. The paradigmatic case presented here, and a review of the literature, allow us to highlight some ethical and clinical issues in physiotherapy care at the end of life, particularly for patients with bone metastases. The objective of this article is not to create an ethical decision making model but rather to serve as additional guidance to existing decision models in rehabilitation. This guidance (...) is based on principlism and is specific to the oncology clients in palliative care. The proposed principles, without being exhaustive, are beneficence, non-maleficence, respect for autonomy and justice. With a review of clinical indications and precautions, the article also helps to clarify both the theoretical and the evidence-based risks. These principles provide avenues for reflection to guide the management of these patients. The physiotherapist will then be able to conduct a critical analysis, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, whose goal is to respect the client’s right to appropriate care at the right time and that is based on clinical need. (shrink)