The minor term is the subject term of the conclusion of a categorical syllogism. It also appears in the minor premise together with the middle term. Along with the major term it is one of the two end terms.
Example:
- Major premise: All men are mortal.
- Minor premise: Socrates is a man.
- Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.
The minor term is bolded above.
Famous quotes containing the words minor and/or term:
“A child who fears excessive retaliation for even minor offenses will learn very early on that to lie is to protect himself.... If your child intuits that you will react very punitively to his wrongdoing, he may be tempted to lie and may become, as time goes on, a habitual liar.”
—Lawrence Balter (20th century)
“As the term of my relief from this place [Washington, D.C.] approaches, it’s drudgery becomes more nauseating and intolerable, and my impatience to be with you at Monticello increases daily.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)