Which premise contains the major term?

• A. Minor premise
• B. Conclusion
• C. Middle premise
• D. Major premise

Answer: (D)

In a syllogism, the major term is the predicate of the conclusion, and it is introduced in the premise that links it with the middle term. The major premise is the one that contains the major term together with the middle term, setting up the relationship that will later be applied to the minor term in the conclusion. The minor premise handles the minor term with the middle term, and the conclusion combines the major and minor terms. So the premise that includes the major term is the major premise. For example, in a standard form: major premise says all mammals are living beings (major term: living beings), minor premise says all dogs are mammals (minor term: dogs), and the conclusion says all dogs are living beings.