What is a figure in the syllogistic?

• A. The mood of the syllogism
• B. The arrangement determined by the position of the middle term in the two premises
• C. The number of premises
• D. The conclusion form

Answer: (B)

In syllogistic reasoning, the figure is defined by where the middle term appears in the two premises. There are three terms: major, minor, and middle. The middle term connects the two premises, but it does not appear in the conclusion. By looking at its position, we classify the form of the syllogism:

• If the middle term is the subject of the major premise and the predicate of the minor premise, that arrangement is one figure.

• If the middle term is the predicate in both premises, that arrangement is another figure.

• If the middle term is the subject in both premises, that arrangement is a different figure.

• If the middle term is the predicate of the major premise and the subject of the minor premise, that arrangement is yet another figure.

This classification by the middle term’s position is essential because each arrangement supports different valid moods and conclusions. The description you’re looking for—an arrangement defined by the position of the middle term in the two premises—captures precisely what a figure is.