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• Square of Opposition-is a device used to represent

propositions using their individual symbols such as
A, E, I and O to manifest their opposite relationships with
other propositions.

Square of Opposition
Ma. Joseph Patrick M. Enriquez

Square of Opposition

• Contradictory Opposition- is a kind of proposition that exists

between two propositions which differ both in quantity and
quality. There are two pairs of contradictories A-O and E-I.

• A-O
Ex. Every dog is an animal. --- Some dog is not an animal.

• I-E
Ex. Many cats are three legged. --- No cats are three legged.

1. Contradictory Opposition

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• Contrary Opposition-is a kind of opposition that exists

• Sub-contrary Opposition-exists between two propositions
between two propositions which differ in quality. Both of
which differ also in quality. This kind of opposition is
these propositions are considered universals but they
applicable only to the propositions I-O.
differ in entirely in quality. They are A-E propositions
and vice versa.
• I-O
• A-E Ex. Some students are absent. --- Some students are not
absent.
Ex. Every melon is a fruit. --- No melon is a fruit.

2. Contrary Opposition 3. Sub-contrary Opposition

• Subaltern Opposition-is a kind of opposition that exists 1. All pigeons are flying animals.
between two propositions which differ in quantity. There Contradictory:
are two kinds of propositions that manifest this kind of Contrary:
opposition, A-I and E-O Sub-altern:

• A-I
Ex. All men can think. --- Some men can think.

4. Subaltern Opposition Exercise:

1. Some breads are made of wheat.

• If one of the pair of proposition is true, the other is false.
Contradictory:
• If one of the pair of proposition is false, the other is true.
SubContrary:
Sub-altern: TRUE
• E-I
Ex. Every store are not open for that day.
--- Some stores are open for that day

FALSE

Exercise: 1. Contradictory

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• If one of the opposed proposition is true, the other is false • If one of the opposed propositions is false, the other is
• If one of the opposed proposition is false, the other is true
doubtful • If one of the opposed propositions is true, the other is
doubtful
FALSE
• E-A
FALSE
Ex. All Filipino food are not sweet. • I-O
--- All Filipino food are sweet. Ex. Few crops are harvested last rainy season.
--- Few crops are not harvested last rainy season.
DOUBTFUL
TRUE

2. Contrary 3. Sub-contrary

• if the universal is true, the particular must also be true

• if the universal is false, the particular must be doubtful
• if the particular is true, the universal must be doubtful
• if the particular is false, the universal must also be false

• A-I
TRUE
Ex. All lovers are romantic persons.
--- Some lovers are romantic persons.

TRUE

4. Sub-altern