The Square of Opposition

The A, E, I, and O propositions form what logicians call the traditional square of opposition which gives
rise to the four kinds of logical opposition;

1. Contrary opposition – one which exists between two universal propositions that differ in quality.
For example, A and E. here one is affirmative and the other negative.
2. Contradictory opposition – one which exists between two propositions that differ in both quality
and quantity. Examples are A and O, E and I. One is universal affirmative and the other is
particular negative. One is universal negative and the other is particular affirmative.
3. Subaltern opposition – one which exists between two propositions that differ in quantity.
Examples, A and I, E and O. the A and I are called affirmative subalterns while the E and O are
negative subalterns. The universal subaltern is called subalternant, and the particular subaltern
subalternate.
4. Subcontrary opposition – one which exists between two particular propositions that differ in
quality. For example, O and I; one is negative and the other is affirmative.

A CONTRARY E

S S

U U

B B

A A

L L

T T

E E

R CON R

N N

I SUBCONTRARY O

1. Some apples are red. Then all apples are red.

2. No apple is red. Then some apples are not red.
3. Some apples red. Then No apples are red.