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.