In a standard syllogism, which premise contains the major term?

Prepare for the Traditional Logic Memoria Press Test. Optimize your learning with flashcards and in-depth explanations to boost your exam readiness.

Multiple Choice

In a standard syllogism, which premise contains the major term?

Explanation:
The major term is introduced in the major premise—the statement that relates the middle term to the major term. In a standard categorical syllogism, the major term will ultimately be the predicate of the conclusion, and the major premise (the first premise) sets up its connection to the middle term (for example, All M are P). The minor premise then relates the minor term to the middle term (for example, All S are M), and from these two premises you derive the conclusion that relates the minor and major terms (All S are P). So the premise that contains the major term is the major premise.

The major term is introduced in the major premise—the statement that relates the middle term to the major term. In a standard categorical syllogism, the major term will ultimately be the predicate of the conclusion, and the major premise (the first premise) sets up its connection to the middle term (for example, All M are P). The minor premise then relates the minor term to the middle term (for example, All S are M), and from these two premises you derive the conclusion that relates the minor and major terms (All S are P). So the premise that contains the major term is the major premise.

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