So far we have spoken only of the apodeictic form, If P then Q. The corresponding problematic form is, If P then possibly Q ; for example, If all S is P it is still possible that some P is not S. This denies the obligation to admit that all P is S when it has been admitted that all S is P. It is to be observed that in any treatment of modality, the apodeictic and the problematic involve one another, since the one form is always required to express the contradictory of the other.
61. The Quantity and the Quality of Propositions.—Propositions are commonly divided into universal and particular, according as the predication is made of the whole or of a part of the subject. This division of propositions is said to be according to their quantity.
Kant added a third subdivision, namely, singular ; and other logicians have added a fourth, namely, indefinite. Under the head of quantity there have also to be considered what are called plurative and numerically definite propositions; and the possibility of multiple quantification has to be recognised. The 92 question may also be raised whether there are not some propositions, e.g., hypothetical propositions, which do not admit of division according to quantity at all. The discussion of the various points here indicated may, however, conveniently be deferred until the traditional scheme of categorical propositions, which is based on the definitive division into universal and particular, has been briefly touched upon.
Another primary division of propositions is into affirmative and negative, according as the predicate is affirmed or denied of the subject. This division of propositions is said to be according to their quality.
Here, again, Kant added a third subdivision, namely, infinite. This threefold division and the more fundamental question as to the true significance of logical denial, will also be deferred until some account has been given of the traditional scheme of propositions.
62. The traditional Scheme of Propositions.—The traditional scheme of formulating propositions is intended primarily for categoricals, and it is based on distinctions of quantity and quality only, distinctions of modality not being taken into account. For the purposes of the traditional scheme the following analysis of the categorical proposition may be given.
A categorical proposition consists of two terms (which are respectively the subject and the predicate), united by a copula, and usually preceded by a sign of quantity. It thus contains four elements, two of which—the subject and the predicate—constitute its matter, while the remaining two—the copula and the sign of quantity—constitute its form.[91]
[91] The logical analysis of a proposition must be distinguished from its grammatical analysis. Grammatically only two elements are recognised, namely, the subject and the predicate. Logically we further analyse the grammatical subject into quantity and logical subject, and the grammatical predicate into copula and logical predicate.
The subject is that term about which affirmation or denial is made. The predicate is that term which is affirmed or denied of the subject.
When propositions are brought into one of the forms recognised in the traditional scheme the subject precedes the predicate. In ordinary discourse, however, this order is sometimes 93 inverted for the sake of literary effect, for example, in the proposition—Sweet are the uses of adversity.