Knowledge is lists

The best part of any field of knowledge is a collection of little lists that divide something important and are sometimes phrased or grouped differently but which tend to have a fixed number of items and to have a few major recognizable presentations.

In formal logic, we have the five predicables, the ten categories, the four figures of syllogism, the 24 valid types, etc.

In philosophical psychology, we have the division between intellect and will, the three parts of the soul, the three acts of the intellect, etc.

In metaphysics, we have the divisions between matter and form, act and potency, essence and existence, contingent and necessary, and so on.

In ethics, we have the four cardinal virtues, their parts and opposing vices on either side, the types and components of action, etc.

Christianity has many little lists of its own: the ten commandments, the four last things, the three theological virtues, the twelve apostles and tribes of Israel, the six days of creation, the three persons of the Trinity, the three hierarchies of angels, the seven capital vices, etc.

I love every single little list. They are great. I will do whatever I can in their favor.