下面是选自贝克莱《人类知识原理》序言
8.……So likewise the mind, by leaving out of the particular colours perceived by sense that which distinguishes them one from another, and retaining that only which is common to all, makes an idea of colour in abstract; which is neither red, nor blue, nor white, nor any other determinate colour. And, in like manner, by considering motion abstractedly, not only from the body moved, but likewise from the figure it describes, and all particular directions and velocities, the abstract idea of motion is framed; which equally corresponds to all particular motions whatsoever that may be perceived by sense.
9.……Moreover, there being a great variety of other creatures that partake in some parts, but not all, of the complex idea of man, the mind, leaving out those parts which are peculiar to men, and retaining those only which are common to all the living creatures, frames the idea of animal; which abstracts not only from all particular men, but also all birds, beasts, fishes, and insects.……
一般都把particular译为“特殊的”,“特殊的”在中文的意思是:不同于同类的事物或平常的情况;根据上下文我们可知,作者要表达的是“不抽象的、不笼统的、不同于其它的”意思,译为“具体的”、或“特定的”是否更恰当点呢?
8.……So likewise the mind, by leaving out of the particular colours perceived by sense that which distinguishes them one from another, and retaining that only which is common to all, makes an idea of colour in abstract; which is neither red, nor blue, nor white, nor any other determinate colour. And, in like manner, by considering motion abstractedly, not only from the body moved, but likewise from the figure it describes, and all particular directions and velocities, the abstract idea of motion is framed; which equally corresponds to all particular motions whatsoever that may be perceived by sense.
9.……Moreover, there being a great variety of other creatures that partake in some parts, but not all, of the complex idea of man, the mind, leaving out those parts which are peculiar to men, and retaining those only which are common to all the living creatures, frames the idea of animal; which abstracts not only from all particular men, but also all birds, beasts, fishes, and insects.……
一般都把particular译为“特殊的”,“特殊的”在中文的意思是:不同于同类的事物或平常的情况;根据上下文我们可知,作者要表达的是“不抽象的、不笼统的、不同于其它的”意思,译为“具体的”、或“特定的”是否更恰当点呢?