Define Figure.
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In logic, a "figure" refers to the arrangement of terms within a categorical syllogism, a form of deductive reasoning involving three propositions to draw a conclusion. The figure determines the placement of the middle term, subject, and predicate across the three propositions, influencing the logical structure of the argument.
There are four standard figures, each characterized by the position of the middle term (M) in the major premise, the minor premise, and the conclusion. The figures are denoted as follows:
First Figure: The middle term appears as the subject of the major premise, the predicate of the minor premise, and the predicate of the conclusion.
Second Figure: The middle term is the predicate of the major premise, the subject of the minor premise, and the predicate of the conclusion.
Third Figure: The middle term is the subject of the major premise, the subject of the minor premise, and the predicate of the conclusion.
Fourth Figure: The middle term is the predicate of the major premise, the subject of the minor premise, and the subject of the conclusion.
The choice of figure influences the validity and structure of the syllogism, contributing to the classification and analysis of logical relationships within categorical propositions.