Which propositions are universal and which are particular?

• A. Universal propositions claim about all members of a class (A and E); particular propositions claim about some members of a class (I and O)
• B. Universal propositions claim about some members; particular propose about all
• C. Universal include I and O; particular include A and E
• D. Universal propositions are always negative

Answer: (A)

In categorical logic, universals are statements about every member of the subject class, while particulars are about some members. The universal forms are All S are P and No S are P, covering all members of S. The particular forms are Some S are P and Some S are not P, referring to only some members of S. So the claim that universal propositions claim about all members and particular propositions claim about some members matches the standard classification: universals correspond to A and E, and particulars to I and O. For example, All dogs are mammals (universal) and Some dogs are friendly (particular). The idea that universals must be negative or that they mix in the wrong groups would be incorrect.