CHAPTER 2
THE TERM AS A PART
OF A PROPOSITION
First we shall give two preliminary definitions of term. Nest we
shall treat of comprehension and extension and their mutual
relationship.
Finally we shall treat of two divisions of terms
(a) into distributive, or divisive, and collective and
(b) into singular, particular, and universal.
DEFINITION OF TERM
The term must be defined from two points of view:
- from the point of view of its being a sign of a concept and
- from the point of view of its being the ultimate structural
element into which a proposition is resolved.
DEFINITION OF TERM
We shall define the oral term. (term something signifies the
oral term, sometimes the mental term, and sometimes the
written term, depending on the context.)
The ORAL TERM is defined as articulate sound that serves
as a conventional or arbitrary sign of a concept.
DEFINITION OF TERM
• A term is simple if it consists of a single word, as in the
examples ‘’ a dog is an animal, the words dog and
animal are terms dog is the subject and animal’’ the
predicate.
• Terms that signify quiddities are called significant
terms.
COMPREHENSION, EXTENSION, AND THEIR
INVERSE RELATIONSHIP
• On the one hand, we can consider the quiddity. If we do this, we
are considering the comprehension of the term, as when we
think of a triangle as a plane figure bounded by three straight
lines. When we think of a triangle as being either equilateral,
isosceles, or scalene. If we say this we are considering its
extension.
COMPREHENSION, EXTENSION, AND THEIR
INVERSE RELATIONSHIP
Comprehension
• The comprehension of a term is the sum total of the intelligible elements
of the quiddity signified by the term. The comprehension of man does not
include tall, white, and European, for a man can be thought of without
contradiction as neither tall nor white nor European.
COMPREHENSION, EXTENSION, AND THEIR
INVERSE RELATIONSHIP
Extension
The extension of a term includes the subjects signified by the term.
• Absolute extension. The absolute extension of a term and concept is the sum total of the
subjects of the actual subjects as well as the possible subjects whose quiddity is signifies
by the term and concept.
• Functional extension. The functional extension of a term or concept includes only those
subjects that it actually sets before the mind when it is used in discourse.
COMPREHENSION, EXTENSION, AND THEIR
INVERSE RELATIONSHIP
Inverse ratio of comprehension and extension
In a series in which inferior terms are subordinated to superior terms the
greater the comprehension of a term the less its absolute extension, and
vice versa.
COMPREHENSION, EXTENSION, AND THEIR
INVERSE RELATIONSHIP
DISTRIBUTIVE, OR DIVISIVE, AND
COLLECTIVE TERMS
• Distributive or divisive
A term is distributive, divisive, if it signifies the quiddity of individuals taken
singly, for instance, soldier, player, and duck.
• Collective
A term is collective if it signifies the quiddity of a group of individuals but
not of those individuals taken single.
SINGULAR, PARTICULAR, AND UNIVERSAL
TERMS
A thorough understanding of the division of terms into
singular, particular, and universal is an absolutely
necessary prerequisite to the study of inference. This
division of terms is so important that we shall explain
each of its members in detail.
SINGULAR, PARTICULAR, AND UNIVERSAL
TERMS
• Singular terms
A term is singular if it stands for one individual or group and designates
that individual or group definitely.
• Particular terms
A terms is particular if it stands for an indeterminately designated portion
of its absolute extension.
SINGULAR, PARTICULAR, AND UNIVERSAL
TERMS
• Universal terms
A term is universal if it stands for each of the subjects to
which it can be applied that is, if it stands for each one of
an unlimited class of subjects. For instance, the terms
every man each man, men without exception, and
whatever is heavier than water are universal.
EXERCISES
• All men are rational animals.
• Man is a rational animal.
• Captain John smith.
• A man is running down the street.
• Whoever is in this room is welcome.
EXERCISES
• Anything that’s made of wood is combustible.
• A few students were absent from class.
• The United States of America.
• Four herds of buffalo were in the state.
• All Americans are human beings.
THANK YOU!
