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Then none of these objections will confuse us, or incline us to

believe that the same thing at the same time, in the same part or

in relation to the same thing, can act or be acted upon in

contrary ways.

Certainly not, according to my way of thinking.

Yet, I said, that we may not be compelled to examine all such

objections, and prove at length that they are untrue, let us

assume their absurdity, and go forward on the understanding that

hereafter, if this assumption turn out to be untrue, all the

consequences which follow shall be withdrawn.

Yes, he said, that will be the best way.

Well, I said, would you not allow that assent and dissent, desire

and aversion, attraction and repulsion, are all of them

opposites, whether they are regarded as active or passive (for

that makes no difference in the fact of their opposition)?

Yes, he said, they are opposites.