Four Figures of the Syllogism [from filename + summary]

The figure — the middle term's position: The figure of a syllogism is the position of the middle term in the two premises. There are four figures.

Figure 1 — the perfect figure: Figure 1 is the perfect figure: in the major premise the middle term is the subject, and in the minor premise it is the predicate (Kubra has M as subject; Sughra has M as predicate — actually, as given on Slide 43: "Figure 1 structure: Kubra has M as Subject; Sughra has M as Predicate"). Figure 1 is the figure of proof — it produces all four valid moods (Topic 7.4) and underlies every Fiqh ruling.

Figures 2 and 3 — refutation and particulars: Figure 2 is the figure of refutation: it is used to deny a claim, by showing that the middle term separates the two terms. Figure 3 is the figure of particular conclusions: it produces only particular conclusions.

Figure 4 — the weakest figure: Figure 4 is the weakest and least used figure. The roadmap (Slide 8) summarises: "3-part structure · 4 figures · valid moods · worked examples from Quran and Nahjul Balagha".

Example

Learn Figure 1 first and best: Most arguments you will ever build in Fiqh and Kalam use Figure 1. Learn it first and best; the other figures are mainly for recognising and refuting other people's arguments.

Key Terms

• Figure (الشکل) — position of the middle term
• Figure 1 (الشکل الأول) — perfect figure

Quran or Hadith

None known from the slide title.

Fresh diagram to be drawn: A four-panel diagram: the middle term (M) shown in its position in each figure. To be drawn in Project Desk colours.

Note: Slide 42 was not read; based on the filename, Slide 43, and the roadmap. Verify before publication.