Square of opposition meaning

The square of opposition is a philosophical framework that explores the relationships between categorical propositions using the logical operators of opposition.


Square of opposition definitions

Word backwards erauqs fo noitisoppo
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "square of opposition" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division square of op-po-si-tion
Plural The plural of the word "square of opposition" is "squares of opposition."
Total letters 18
Vogais (5) u,a,e,o,i
Consonants (7) s,q,r,f,p,t,n

Square of opposition is a logical diagram representing the relationships between the four basic types of categorical propositions within traditional Aristotelian logic. These propositions include A (universal affirmative), E (universal negative), I (particular affirmative), and O (particular negative).

Components of the Square of Opposition

The square of opposition consists of four corners, each representing one of the four types of categorical propositions. The A proposition refers to "All S is P," the E proposition to "No S is P," the I proposition to "Some S is P," and the O proposition to "Some S is not P."

Relationships within the Square

The square of opposition illustrates the relationships between these categorical propositions. For example, the A and O propositions are contraries, meaning they cannot both be true but can both be false. On the other hand, the E and I propositions are subcontraries, meaning they cannot both be false but can both be true or one can be true while the other is false.

Contradictory and Subalternation Relations

The square also shows contradictory relationships between the A and E propositions as well as between the I and O propositions. The A and E propositions are contradictory, meaning they cannot both be true but can both be false. Meanwhile, the I and O propositions have a subalternation relationship, meaning if the universal affirmative (A) proposition is true, then the particular affirmative (I) proposition must also be true.

Applications of the Square of Opposition

The square of opposition is a useful tool in analyzing logical relationships between categorical propositions. It can help determine the validity of syllogisms, assess the consistency of different propositions, and clarify the implications of certain statements within a logical framework.

Overall, the square of opposition provides a structured way to understand and evaluate the relationships between categorical propositions in logic, offering insights into the validity and consistency of logical arguments.


Square of opposition Examples

  1. All cats are mammals, and some mammals are not fish.
  2. No student likes exams, but some students enjoy studying.
  3. Some flowers are red, yet no flowers are blue.
  4. All birds can fly, and no birds can swim.
  5. Some cars are electric, and all cars are vehicles.
  6. No humans have wings, but some humans can run fast.
  7. All trees are plants, and some plants are green.
  8. Some books are fiction, and no books are movies.
  9. No dogs like cats, but some dogs like bones.
  10. All stars are in the sky, and some stars are not visible during the day.


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  • Updated 23/06/2024 - 06:10:14