Definition:Categorical Syllogism/Primary Term
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Definition
The primary term of a categorical syllogism is the term that appears as the second predicate of the conclusion of the syllogism.
It also appears once in one of the premises of the syllogism, traditionally the major premise.
It is usually denoted by $P$.
Also known as
Some sources call this the major term, whence the name of the major premise in which it occurs.
Others call it the predicate of the syllogism, but this is not recommended as it can be a cause for confusion due to its ambiguity.
Some sources denote it with the letter $H$.
Sources
- 1965: E.J. Lemmon: Beginning Logic ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $4$: The Predicate Calculus $2$: $4$ The Syllogism