The Categorical Syllogism and Its Moods

The Categorical Syllogism and its Figures and Moods

CONTENTS

1 Introduction 3 2 Structures of a Categorical Syllogism 4 2.1 Three Propositions 4 2.2 Three Terms 5
3 Rules for Categorical Syllogisms 6 4 Moods 7
5 The Figures of the Categorical Syllogism 8 5.1 First Figure 8 5.2 Second Figure 10 5.3 Third Figure 12 5.4 Fourth Figure 14
Reference 16

Introduction The categorical Syllogism is the logical process in which, the premises relate two terms with a third (middle), and the relationship is expressed in the conclusion that either unites or separates the first two terms. In this case, the conclusion will either be in the affirmative or in the negative, depending in how the terms are related in the premises. Not only humans do have figures and moods; even Syllogism. There are four (4) figures and nineteen (19) valid moods of Categorical syllogism.

Three terms: 1. Major term (P) 2. Minor term (S) 3. Middle term (M)

Three Propositions: 1. Major Premise 2. Minor Premise 3. Conclusion

STRUCTURES OF A CATEGORICAL SYLLOGISM

THREE PROPOSITIONS
MAJOR PREMISE: * is the one wherein the major term (P) is compared to the middle term (M) * universal class * not challenged and assumed to be true
MINOR PREMISE: * is the one wherein the minor term (S) is compared to the middle term (M) * less universal class
CONCLUSION:
* is the new truth arrived at , the result of reasoning, wherein the agreement or disagreement between the minor term (S) and the major term (P) is enunciated or expressed.

THREE TERMS
MAJOR TERM (P): * compared to the middle term in a major premise * more universal class * predicate of the conclusion

MINOR TERM (S):