Research Article

The Structural Role of the Subject in Categorical Propositions and Its Existential Import

Volume: 12 Number: 3 December 30, 2024
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The Structural Role of the Subject in Categorical Propositions and Its Existential Import

Abstract

Logic, as a system designed to distinguish between right and wrong, necessitates that all judgments pertain to a “thing.” In categorical propositions, this judgment is anchored in the “thing,” which is represented by the term “subject.” The subject serves as the foundational element upon which the entire logical system is built. Within the classical tradition of logic, it is widely accepted that only affirmative propositions presuppose the existence of their subjects. However, for a judgment to be formed within a proposition, the subject must refer to an existent. This study examines the debates within the classical tradition regarding the existence of the subject in propositions and questions its existential significance based on these discussions. The existence of the subject holds pivotal importance in classical logic for several reasons. For example, to establish a contradiction between two propositions, the “unity of subject”—one of the eight conditions for contradiction—requires that the same subject be used in both propositions. Furthermore, the study explores the discussions between Farabi and Ibn Sina regarding the actuality and possibility of the individuals to which the subject refers, evaluating their approaches to the possible individuals denoted by the subject. At its core, analyzing the ontological implications of the subject is essential for assessing the coherence and consistency of the logical system.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

History of Ideas , Medieval Philosophy , History of Philosophy (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

December 25, 2024

Publication Date

December 30, 2024

Submission Date

January 23, 2024

Acceptance Date

November 27, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 12 Number: 3

APA
Oruk Akman, Z. (2024). The Structural Role of the Subject in Categorical Propositions and Its Existential Import. Anemon Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 12(3), 1188-1196. https://doi.org/10.18506/anemon.1424747

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