In terms of categorical propositions and distribution of terms, which…
2024
In terms of categorical propositions and distribution of terms, which statement correctly describes Viṣamavyāpti?
Answer: B. A universal proposition in which only the subject term is distributed — ConceptIn a categorical proposition, a term is distributed when the statement ranges over every member of the class denoted by that term. In an A-form…
- A.
A particular proposition in which both the subject term and the predicate term are distributed
- B.
A universal proposition in which only the subject term is distributed
- C.
A universal proposition in which both the subject term and the predicate term are distributed
- D.
A particular proposition in which only the predicate term is distributed
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
In a categorical proposition, a term is distributed when the statement ranges over every member of the class denoted by that term. In an A-form universal affirmative proposition, “All S are P,” S is distributed while P is undistributed.
Viṣamavyāpti means unequal pervasion: the pervaded term has a narrower extension than the pervading term.
Application
The unequal-extension pattern is represented by “All S are P.” Every member of S lies within P, and P includes at least one member outside S. Therefore the subject term is distributed and the predicate term is not distributed.
Contrast
A particular proposition with both terms distributed is not one of the four standard categorical forms.
A universal negative proposition distributes both terms and expresses exclusion, not one-way unequal pervasion.
A particular negative proposition distributes only the predicate term; it does not state a universal pervasion.
Result
Thus Viṣamavyāpti is correctly described as a universal proposition in which only the subject term is distributed.