Kinds of Propositions

There are four major kinds of propositions, namely, the categorical, the
conditional, the disjunctive, and the conjunctive propositions.

Categorical Proposition
The categorical proposition is that which either affirms or denies something
without any qualification or condition. Its truth or falsity is based on its own
content, not on the content of any other statement. Its basic structure is made
up of three elements, namely: the subject-term which is stated first, followed by
the copula, and the predicate-term given last. Below are some examples:

1. John is tall.
2. The weather is good.
3. All non-A are B.
4. Orchids are expensive flowers.
5. Some X are Y.
In Example1, “John” is the subject-term “is” is the copula, and “tall” is the
predicate-term. “Tall” is an attribute which is affirmed of Darwin.

Conditional Proposition

The conditional proposition is a kind of proposition which makes an

assertion but qualified by a condition. Structurally, it is a compound proposition
made up of two simple categorical propositions, so arranged that the first
component states the condition while the second states the consequence. The
two components are so related that the truth of consequence is dependent on
the truth of its condition or its antecedent. To make this point clear examples
are given below:

1. If the weather is fine, then we shall go to school.

2. If mother approves, then I will go to the dance floor with you.
3. Election of officers will be held, only when over fifty percent of the
members are in attendance.
4. It is only after he resigned that I will file my application for his position.
5. If I will study hard, then I will pass this course.
In the first example, “then we shall go to school” is the consequence which
is true or will be done when the condition “if the weather is fine” is met.

It should be noted that while ordinarily the condition is stated ahead of the
consequence this may not be always the case. The third illustration is a case in
point. Here, the consequence “election” of officers will be held,” is stated
before the condition “only when over fifty percent of the members are in
attendance.”