It is one of the terms used in various ways.[1] A topos is a term for what is natural and for the [sc. female genital] member[2] and for the theme of each discourse.[3] The commonplaces in Aristotle are so called because of their similarity to a natural place.[4] Commonplaces are the beginning and starting point of various attacks.[5] The Topica of Aristotle[6] are so entitled because he gives some topoi in them, starting from which we will be able argue deductively about any proposed subject through generally agreed-on understandings. For a topos is a sort of starting-point or element from which we take our beginning on each subject, understanding the intention, by circumscribing it determinately (or because it encompasses the general and the universal, which are the principal components of deductive arguments, or they are able by themselves to show and include such matters), indeterminately in the individual matters. For it is possible for someone starting out from these to have easy recourse to a widely-acceptable premise for the question at hand. This you see is the beginning. Now some think that the first book should be entitled not one of the Topica but rather a Preface to the Topica. Sometimes the argument from widely-received opinions is like inescapable proof, for it is not possible to argue deductively about every problem on the basis of the truth.
And in the Epigrams: "but on the earth there is a place for pity; for when they saw me at the tombs they piously garlanded me. But now the sea that brought me forth has destroyed me. What trustworthiness is there in the sea?"[7]