Categorical syllogism structure – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and D correctly describe the standard structure of a categorical syllogism: it has two premises and one conclusion, with the major term as predicate, the minor term as subject and the middle term linking the premises but not appearing in the conclusion. Statement E is false because a syllogism with two negative premises is invalid; such premises fail to provide a constructive linkage between terms. Thus the combination containing A, B, C and D and excluding E is the only fully correct option.

Option A:
Option A is correct since it includes all structural truths about categorical syllogisms while rejecting E, which misstates a condition for validity. It reflects rules that are often checked using Venn diagrams in NET questions.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because although A, B and C are true, it omits D, so it does not explain the crucial role of the middle term in linking the premises without appearing in the conclusion. Without D, the structure is only partially described.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes E, the false claim that two negative premises yield validity, and excludes B, so it both admits an invalid rule and omits a correct one. This makes the combination logically unsound.

Option D:
Option D is wrong because it leaves out A and therefore fails to note that the standard syllogism has exactly two premises and one conclusion. While B, C and D are true, omitting A gives an incomplete account of the syllogistic form.