Definition of subcontrary in English:
subcontrary
adjective sʌbˈkɒntrəriˌsəbˈkäntrərē
Logic dated Denoting propositions which can both be true, but cannot both be false (e.g. some X are Y and some X are not Y).
Example sentencesExamples
- Paradox seems to arise when conditional statements have subcontrary statements as antecedent and consequent.
- The particular statements: I and O are subcontrary: ‘Some S are P’ and ‘Some S are not P’ can be true, but both cannot be false.
- Similarly, ‘some unicorns have horns’ and ‘some unicorns do not have horns’ are both regarded as false, and so they are not subcontrary.’
- In traditional logic the I and O statements are considered subcontrary to one another; in other words, they can both be true at the same time, but cannot both be false.
- It follows that high or low probability are contrary to necessity of opposite polarity, and subcontrary to possibility of opposite polarity.
nounPlural subcontraries sʌbˈkɒntrəriˌsəbˈkäntrərē
Logic dated A subcontrary proposition.
Example sentencesExamples
- Again, I and O propositions are subcontrary, but not contrary or contradictory.
- Particular statements are subcontraries. ‘Some man is just’ and ‘some man is not just’ cannot be false together
- Given that traditional logicians did think the subcontraries have ‘existential import’, how do we resolve the apparent contradiction?
- The case of subcontraries will be revealed to include an unjustified presupposition in the section concerning the modern square of opposition.
Origin
Late 16th century: from late Latin subcontrarius, translation of Greek hupenantios.