The interpretation of the term "compensation" obscures a logical contradiction, the catalytic paradox, which is caused by inconsistent validity ranges of the Arrhenius parameters, the preexponential factor and the activation energy. For this reason, a theory which contains the Arrhenius parameters cannot be established for the entire system (whole temperature range) on the basis of classical logic. Only the subsystems can be consistent and complete. One subsystem is the range of the topocatalytic concept which is relevant for thermal deactivation, thermal bistability and for all reactions with surface dependence of activity. The other is the range of the energetic concept which is preferred in fundamental research. In order to complete the subsystems, new consistent symbols are introduced. The change of particle size caused by thermal deactivation can result in four possible particle size effects, two of which have been discussed in the literature.