Question

Explain with example conversion and obversion.

Hint:

Remember that conversion and obversion are different processes: conversion swaps the subject and predicate, while obversion also changes the quality of the proposition.

Answer 1

Conversion:
Conversion is a logical process that involves reversing the subject and predicate of a categorical proposition. Conversion is only valid for certain types of categorical propositions, specifically those in the "I" and "E" forms.
Example of Conversion:

Original proposition: "Some dogs are pets." (I form)
Conversion: "Some pets are dogs."
In this example, the subject and predicate are switched while keeping the meaning of the proposition intact.
Obversion:
Obversion is another logical transformation that involves two steps: 1. Changing the quality of the proposition (affirmative to negative or vice versa). 2. Replacing the predicate term with its complement.
Example of Obversion:

Original proposition: "All dogs are mammals." (A form)
Obverted proposition: "No dogs are non-mammals."
In this example, the quality of the proposition is changed from affirmative to negative, and the predicate "mammals" is replaced with its complement, "non-mammals."
Conclusion: Conversion and obversion are logical processes that modify categorical propositions. Conversion switches the subject and predicate, while obversion changes the quality and replaces the predicate with its complement.