Figure (syllogistic)
Figure (syllogistic)
The moods of the categorical syllogism (see Logic, formal, 5) are divided into four figures, according as the middle term is subject in the major premiss and predicate in the minor premiss (first figure), or predicate in both premisses (second figure), or subject in both premisses (third figure), or predicate in the major premiss and subject in the minor premiss (fourth figure). Aristotle recognized only three figures, including the moods of the fourth figure among those of the first. The separation of the fourth figure from the first (ascribed to Galen) is accompanied by a redefinition of “major” and “minor” — so that the major premiss is that involving the predicate of the conclusion, and the minor premiss is that involving the subject of the conclusion. — A.C.