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Lesson 5 - Classification of Terms (2 of 3) Study Guide

This document summarizes different ways to classify terms according to logic. It discusses four main classifications: according to definiteness of meaning, nature of referents, quantity or extension, and quality. For definiteness of meaning, terms can be univocal, equivocal, or analogous based on consistent or inconsistent usage. For nature of referents, terms can be concrete, abstract, logical, or null/empty based on whether they refer to physical, mental, linguistic, or nonexistent concepts. Examples are provided to illustrate each classification and category. The document includes exercises for readers to practice categorizing terms according to definiteness of meaning and nature of referents.

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134 views3 pages

Lesson 5 - Classification of Terms (2 of 3) Study Guide

This document summarizes different ways to classify terms according to logic. It discusses four main classifications: according to definiteness of meaning, nature of referents, quantity or extension, and quality. For definiteness of meaning, terms can be univocal, equivocal, or analogous based on consistent or inconsistent usage. For nature of referents, terms can be concrete, abstract, logical, or null/empty based on whether they refer to physical, mental, linguistic, or nonexistent concepts. Examples are provided to illustrate each classification and category. The document includes exercises for readers to practice categorizing terms according to definiteness of meaning and nature of referents.

Uploaded by

Diane Malong
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lesson 5 – Classification of Terms (2 of 3)

Study Guide:

Read and understand this second part out of three parts of Lesson 5. Then answer the exercise
after each classification below. Wait for the instruction on how to submit the exercises.

Classification of Terms

The most common and useful Classifications of Terms are the following:

1. According to Quantity or Extension


2. According to Quality
3. According to Definiteness of Meaning
4. According to Nature of Referents
5. According to Relation: Compatible or Incompatible

Under each classification are the categories that specify the different aspects of the term as
signaled by different indicators. Let’s examine these classifications and the categories under
them, one at a time.

We will now cover the third and fourth Classification of Term

3. According to Definiteness of Meaning – this classification of term involves the


consistent or inconsistent use of terms in a proposition. The terms are categorized as
Univocal, Equivocal or Analogous depending upon the way a term is used.

A. Univocal – a term is univocal when its sense and meaning are consistent in other
appearance or occurrence of the term in a proposition or argument.

Example: A speaker gives speeches and our Mayor was our guest speaker.

Here, the term “speaker” is used consistently in all its appearances in the proposition
above, so it is identified as being univocal.

B. Equivocal – a term is equivocal when its sense and meaning are different or
inconsistent in usage in other places of the proposition or argument.

Example: Stars are movie celebrities and therefore, the stars at night are movie
celebrities.

Here, the term “stars” is used inconsistently in two different occurrences, thus it is
equivocal in category.
C. Analogous – if a term is the simultaneously identical and distinct as used
metaphorically in a statement or proposition.

Example: The athlete is as tall as a tree.

The term “athlete” and “tall” are analogous in a sense that they are both tall but
different at the same time because one is a human being while the tree is a plant.

Exercise: Categorize according to definiteness of meaning.

1. Cold weather – Cold drink _____Univocal______

2. Take the tablet for your fever so the tablet can be strong to pick up the wi-fi signal.

Equivocal____

3. Ruler is for measuring, our President is our ruler. _____Equivocal_____

4. Your heart is as hard as a rock. _____Analogous_____

5. Pour me a glass milk so I can taste that glass of drink. _____Univocal_____

6. Fathers are the head of the family. _____Analogous_____

7. Sit on the chair and chair the meeting. _____Equivocal_____

8. He gave a good speech at the speech convention. _____Univocal_____

9. Good looking man and a good looking woman. _____Univocal_____

10. Mothers are the light of the home. _____Analogous_____

4. According to Nature of Referents – this classification identifies the terms based on the
level or realm of existence or their nature, whether they are Concrete, Abstract, Logical,
Null or Empty.

A. Concrete – refers to what is perceived by senses. Anything within the physical realm.

Examples: books, chairs, computers, cars, fruits.

B. Abstract – that which is processed in our mind. Anything beyond the physical realm.
Examples: love, freedom, peace, internet, integrity, honesty.

C. Logical – pertains to linguistic device that facilitates learning.

Examples: adverbs, adjectives, definition, metaphors.

D. Null or Empty – points to matter that are non-existent or not true, fictional.

Examples: Unicorn, Harry Potter, Cinderella, Superman.

Exercise: Classify the following terms below according to nature of referents.

1. Darna __Null or Empty___ 6. Planets _____Concrete_______

2. Rock _____Concrete________ 7. Predicate _____Logical_______

3. Wind ______Abstract_______ 8. Compassion ______Abstract_______

4. Adjective ______Logical______ 9. Wonder Woman _Null or Empty_

5. Juan de la Cruz _Null or Empty_ 10. Patriotism _____Logical______

Manebog, J. D. (2013). Logic A Foundation of Critical Thinking. Mutya Publishing House, Inc.

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