Canonum De Ius Positivum
Canons of Positive Law

one heaven iconVI.   Argument

6.1 Argument

Article 177 - Proposition

Canon 2567 (link)

A Proposition, also known as a “protasis” is a Form of words or symbolic variables by which an expression of meaning, also known as the “Predicate” or “Premise” affirms or denies an assumption of fact concerning an Object or Concept, also known as the “Subject”. The words or symbols used to construct and connect the expression between the Predicate and Subject are known as the “Copula”.

Canon 2568 (link)

The word Proposition is derived from the Latin propositio meaning "purpose or theme". However, the original Ancient Greek word used by Aristotle when describing a proposition (in his invention of syllogism) was protasis from πρότασις (protasis) meaning “to put forward, tender, to propose”.

Canon 2569 (link)

The word Predicate is derived from the Latin praedico meaning “to mention before hand, to prearrange, to foretell, to warn”. The word Premise is derived from the Latin praemissum meaning “to send in advance”.

Canon 2570 (link)

The word Subject is derived from the Latin "subiecto" meaning “to lay under, put to, to throw up”.

Canon 2571 (link)

The word Copula is derived from the Latin copula meaning “rope, leash, grappling iron/anchor or binding”.

Canon 2572 (link)

In the context of Logic and Argument, the word “sentence” is wrongly argued as being equivalent to the word Proposition. The word sentence is derived from the Latin word sententia meaning “way of thinking, opinion or sentiment”. Therefore sentence by its original and true definition implies a predisposed bias towards an argument which is incompatible with the independent and objective testing for truth or falsity of an expression.

Canon 2573 (link)

In the context of Logic and Argument, the word “statement” is wrongly argued as being equivalent to the word Proposition. The word statement is derived from two Latin words statuo meaning “to determine, appoint, to decide, settle, to decree, prescribe, to judge, consider, conclude” and ment(is) meaningmind”. Therefore statement by its original and true definition implies a judgment or conclusion in mind before the facts have been tested on their merits being incompatible with the concept of Proposition.