LessonsThe First Figure: Conditions of Validity and Four Productive MoodsQuiz

For a new argument, proceed in this order:
1. Identify the minor and major terms from the conclusion’s subject and predicate.
2. Find the middle term shared by the premises and absent from the conclusion.
3. Check whether the middle predicates the minor and is the subject of the major.
4. Verify an affirmative minor and a universal major.
5. Derive the correctly quantified and qualified conclusion.

For example: “Some fruits are apples; all apples are food; therefore some fruits are food.” Here “apple” is the middle, the minor is particular affirmative, and the major universal affirmative; the conclusion is therefore particular affirmative.

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Five steps for checking an argument

The First Figure: Conditions of Validity and Four Productive Moods

For a new argument, proceed in this order:
1. Identify the minor and major terms from the conclusion’s subject and predicate.
2. Find the middle term shared by the premises and absent from the conclusion.
3. Check whether the middle predicates the minor and is the subject of the major.
4. Verify an affirmative minor and a universal major.
5. Derive the correctly quantified and qualified conclusion.

For example: “Some fruits are apples; all apples are food; therefore some fruits are food.” Here “apple” is the middle, the minor is particular affirmative, and the major universal affirmative; the conclusion is therefore particular affirmative.