Distribution of terms

A short presentation on distribution of terms in a categorical proposition.

1. Distribution of Terms In a Categorical Proposition - Megha Gupta A-069

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 }

11. Thank You .