In the light of the AEE mood in the first figure, which statements are…
2024
In the light of the AEE mood in the first figure, which statements are correct?
A. The middle term is distributed in the major premise.
B. It commits the fallacy of illicit minor.
C. It commits the fallacy of illicit major.
D. The middle term is distributed in the minor premise.
E. The conclusion does not distribute either term.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer: A. A, C and D only — ConceptIn a categorical proposition, a universal affirmative proposition distributes its subject but not its predicate, while a universal negative proposition…
- A.
A, C and D only
- B.
C and E only
- C.
A and D only
- D.
B, C, D and E only
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
In a categorical proposition, a universal affirmative proposition distributes its subject but not its predicate, while a universal negative proposition distributes both terms.
A term distributed in the conclusion must also be distributed in its corresponding premise; otherwise the syllogism commits illicit major or illicit minor.
Application
For the given syllogistic figure, the term pattern is: major premise M–P, minor premise S–M, and conclusion S–P.
The universal affirmative major premise distributes M, establishing the claim that the middle term is distributed in the major premise.
The universal negative minor premise distributes both S and M, establishing the claim that the middle term is distributed in the minor premise.
The universal negative conclusion distributes both S and P. P is undistributed in the major premise but distributed in the conclusion, so the argument commits illicit major.
S is distributed in both the minor premise and the conclusion, so illicit minor is not committed.
A universal negative conclusion distributes both its terms, so the claim that the conclusion distributes neither term does not hold.
Proposition | Form | Distributed terms |
|---|---|---|
Major premise | Universal affirmative: M–P | M only |
Minor premise | Universal negative: S–M | S and M |
Conclusion | Universal negative: S–P | S and P |
Cross-check and contrast
The combination containing both middle-term distribution claims and illicit major matches the distribution analysis.
The combination containing illicit major and the claim that the conclusion distributes neither term omits both middle-term distribution claims.
The combination containing only the two middle-term distribution claims omits the illicit-major consequence.
The combination containing both illicit-term claims and the claim about the conclusion includes two claims contradicted by the distribution analysis.
Therefore, the correct combination contains both middle-term distribution claims together with illicit major.