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A short presentation on distribution of terms in a categorical proposition.
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Distribution of Terms In a Categorical Proposition
-Megha Gupta A-069
A “term” may be defined as a word, or a group of words, which stands as the subject or the predicate of a logical proposition.
In other words, the ‘subject’ and the ‘predicate’ of a proposition are called “terms.”
→ “Himalaya is the highest mountain.”
→ “Subject” “Predicate”
What is a Term?
A term is said to be distributed when the reference is to all the individuals denoted by the term.
It is said to be undistributed when the reference is to a part of the denotation of the term.
Distribution of Terms
→ Makes sure that a reference to all members of a particular class is made.
→ If that is not the case, one may not be able to draw a further conclusion.
→ The importance of distribution lies in its being a principle of formal inference that no term may be distributed in the conclusion unless it was distributed in the premises.
Why is it important?
→ Known as Universal Affirmative.→ All fairies are beautiful.→ Reference is to the entire denotation of the
subject.
Thus, “A” propositions distribute the ‘subject’ only.
Distribution of “A” proposition
P
S
→ Known as Universal Negative.→ No thieves are moral.→ Both the classes are completely separate.
Thus, “E” propositions distribute the ‘both’ the subject and the predicate.
Distribution of “E” proposition
S P
→ Known as Particular Affirmative.→ Some singers are rich.→ Neither term is taken as a whole.
Thus, “I” propositions distribute the ‘neither’ the subject ‘nor’ the predicate.
Distribution of “I” proposition
S P
→ Known as Particular Negative.→ Some shopkeepers are not honest.→ Subject is excluded from the whole of the
predicate.
Thus, “O” propositions distribute the ‘predicate’ only.
Distribution of “O” proposition
S P
* In ‘A’ proposition when the denotation of the subject and the predicate is same, the predicate is also distributed.
→ All triangles are plane figures enclosed by three straight lines.
* The quantity of a proposition determines the distribution of the subject term, while the quality of a proposition determines the distribution of the predicate term.
Exception and Rule
Sr. No
Proposition Symbol Subject Predicate
1. Universal Affirmative A distributed undistributed
2. Universal Negative E distributed distributed
3. Particular Affirmative
I undistributed undistributed
4. Particular Negative O undistributed distributed
Rules
{Asebinop}
Thank You.