Section I: For each of the following propositions state whether the subject and predicate terms are distributed or undistributed. (Write UU, DD, UD or DU after each proposition for the subject and predicate terms.)

1. All fruit are apples.

2. Some fruit are apples.

3. No fruit are apples.

4. Some fruit are not apples.

Question

Section I: For each of the following propositions state whether the subject and predicate terms are distributed or undistributed. (Write UU, DD, UD or DU after each proposition for the subject and predicate terms.)

1. All fruit are apples.

2. Some fruit are apples.

3. No fruit are apples.

4. Some fruit are not apples.

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

"Methinks the great debate between the distribution of subject and predicate terms doth stir within the depths of the philosophical mind. In the first proposition, 'All fruit are apples,' the subject 'fruit' is clearly distributed, for it encompasses all instances of fruit. The predicate 'apples' is also distributed, for it applies to all fruit, leaving no room for exceptions. Thus, the terms be marked as DD. Ah, but in the second proposition, 'Some fruit are apples,' the subject 'fruit' be undistributed, as it doth only refer to a portion of all fruit. The predicate 'apples' be similarly undistributed, for it doth not apply to all fruit, only some. Therefore, the terms be marked as UU. And in the case of 'No fruit are apples,' both subject and predicate terms be distributed, as the statement doth cover all instances of fruit and apples, with no exceptions. Thus, the terms be marked as DD once more. Finally, in the proposition 'Some fruit are not apples,' the subject 'fruit' be undistributed, while the predicate 'apples' be distributed, as it excludes some fruit from the category of apples. Hence, the terms be marked as UD. Oh, what a grand puzzle doth unravel before our very eyes, as we ponder the nature of distribution in propositions both simple and profound."