TRIVIUM

Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic,

If the three steps are arranged any other way, the Trivium will not work as a method for deriving certainty. The word is a Latin term meaning "the three ways" or "the three roads" which lead to Truth.

Grammar is the mechanics of a language. This is the step where one "comes to terms" by defining the objects and information around him that are coming in via the five senses. It is also where two people can "get on the same page". This is done by defining and then agreeing on the terms used to identify data received from the objective, outside world. (The Law of Identity: a tree is a tree and not a cat). This step can also be described as the "input stage" or "knowledge stage".

Logic (or dialectic) is the "mechanics" of thought and analysis. This is the process of identifying fallacious arguments and statements and systematically removing the contradictions. This leaves a body of knowledge that is now able to be trusted. This is how the trivium leads to certainty. This step is also known as the "Processing" or, "Understanding stage".

Rhetoric is the use of language to instruct and persuade. It is the knowledge (grammar) now understood (logic) being transmitted outward as wisdom (rhetoric).

Trivium is the study of mind as opposed to Quadrivium which is the study of Matter