Which symbol is used to express a universal negative proposition?
2021
Which symbol is used to express a universal negative proposition?
Answer: C. E — ConceptIn traditional categorical logic, a standard-form proposition is classified by quantity (universal or particular) and quality (affirmative or…
- A.
A
- B.
I
- C.
E
- D.
O
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
In traditional categorical logic, a standard-form proposition is classified by quantity (universal or particular) and quality (affirmative or negative). The four forms are conventionally labelled A, E, I, and O.
A proposition with the form “No S are P” ranges over the whole subject class and denies membership in the predicate class.
Application
The phrase “universal negative” corresponds to the form “No S are P.” In the traditional A–E–I–O notation, that form is represented by E.
Contrast
A represents “All S are P,” the universal affirmative form.
I represents “Some S are P,” the particular affirmative form.
O represents “Some S are not P,” the particular negative form.
Result
Therefore, the symbol for a universal negative proposition is E.