Which one of the following is true with respect to the first figure of a categorical syllogism?

AThe middle term is the subject of the major premise and the predicate of the minor premise ✓ Correct

BThe middle term is the predicate of the major premise and the subject of the minor premise

CThe middle term is the subject of the major premise and the predicate of the conclusion

DThe middle term is the subject of the minor premise and the predicate of the conclusion

Correct answer: (A) The middle term is the subject of the major premise and the predicate of the minor premise

Explanation

In the first figure the middle term is subject of the major premise and predicate of the minor.

The major premise links the middle term with the major term.

The minor premise links the minor term with the middle term.

Placing the middle as subject then predicate gives the middle-major, minor-middle pattern.

This arrangement lets the conclusion follow directly.

The subject-predicate placement of the middle marks the first figure.

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