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Topic 4 OPPOSITION OF PROPOSITION Students
Topic 4 OPPOSITION OF PROPOSITION Students
The relationship that exists between and among categorical propositions can be
represented through the square of opposition. This aids in determining the opposite
relationship of different propositions. The square of opposition also known as oppositional
square and square of opposition is a diagram which serves as aid in understanding and
remembering various kinds of opposition and their laws.
The figure above shows a diagram of the relationship of the four kinds of opposition.
Contradictory proposition exists between A and O and E and I. Contrary proposition exists
between A and E. Sub-contrary proposition exists between I and O. Sub-altern opposition
exists between A and I and E and O.
The four corners of the square of opposition are represented by letters A, E, I and O.
A proposition which is known as the universal affirmative has taken the form “All S and P.”
E proposition which is known as the universal negative has taken the form “No S is P.”
I proposition which is known as the particular affirmative has taken the form “Some S are P.”
O proposition which is known as the particular negative has taken the form “Some S and not
P.”
A E I O
T F T F
F T F T
Example:
A E E A
T F T F
F ? F ?
Example:
3. Sub-contrary opposition (I-O) exists between the two particular propositions which
differ in quality. The two particular oppositions (I-O) cannot be both false. If one is
false, the other is true. If one is true, the other is uncertain.
I O O I
F T F T
T ? T ?
Example:
A I E O
T T T T
F ? F ?
I A O E
T ? T ?
F F F F
Example:
(A-I) If it is true that, “All cars are fast”; then “Some cars are fast,” is true.
If it is false that, “All cars are fast”, then “Some cars are fast,” is uncertain.
(E-O) If it is true that, “No car is fast”, then “Some cars are not fast,” is true.
If it is false that, “No car is fast”, then “Some cars are not fast,” is uncertain.
(I-A) If it is true that, “Some cars are fast”; then “All cars are fast,” is uncertain.
If it is false that, “Some cars are fast”, then “All cars are fast”, is false.
(O-E) If it is true that, “Some cars are not fast”; then “No car is fast,” is uncertain.
If it is false that, “Some cars are not fast”; then “No car is fast,” is false.
SUMMARY OF THE RULES OF OPPOSITION
1. Contradictory Propositions
a. If one is true, the other is false.
b. If one is false, the other is true.
2. Contrary Propositions
a. If one is true the other is false.
b. If one is false the other is uncertain.
3. Subcontrary Propositions
a. If one is false the other is true.
b. If one is true the other is uncertain.
4. Subaltern Propositions
a. If the universal is true, the particular is true.
b. If the universal is false, the particular is doubtful.
c. If the particular is false, the universal is false.
d. If the particular is true, the universal is doubtful.