When a general name stands for each and every individual…
““When a general name stands for each and every individual which it is a name of, or in other words, which it denotes, it is said by logicians to be distributed, or taken distributively. Thus, in the proposition, All men are mortal, the subject, Man, is distributed, because mortality is affirmed of each and every man.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
In logic, a term applied to a group means it applies to each member individually.
In simple terms: A term used for a group applies to each person.
Key Takeaway
Recognize distributive meaning in statements.
Themes
logic
language
philosophy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- mathematics
- philosophy
- law
- education
Key Concepts
distributive property
quantifiers
Questions to Reflect On
- How does distributive meaning affect legal language?
- When does a collective term hide individual differences?
A Different Perspective
Distributive statements can be misinterpreted if context ignored.