Understanding the Structure of Arguments: Complete Guide for UGC NET
Master logical reasoning for UGC NET Paper 1 with this comprehensive breakdown of argument structures, categorical propositions, fallacies, and language use. Includes exam-focused examples and 10+ year question trends.
1. Argument Forms in Logical Reasoning
Arguments are classified into two main types in UGC NET exams:
Type
Definition
NET Exam Example
Deductive
General to specific (100% conclusive)
"All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal."
Inductive
Specific to general (probable conclusion)
"Every swan I've seen is white. Therefore, all swans are white."
2. Categorical Propositions (A, E, I, O)
The four standard forms tested in NET exams:
Type
Form
Example
NET Frequency
A (Universal Affirmative)
All S are P
All philosophers are thinkers
35%
E (Universal Negative)
No S are P
No reptiles are mammals
25%
I (Particular Affirmative)
Some S are P
Some artists are poets
20%
O (Particular Negative)
Some S are not P
Some students are not scholars
20%
3. Mood and Figure in Syllogisms
Mood = Types of propositions (A,E,I,O) used
Figure = Position of middle term
Example
Mood
Figure
Validity
All M are P
All S are M
∴ All S are P
All S are M
∴ All S are P
AAA
1
Valid
No P are M
All S are M
∴ No S are P
All S are M
∴ No S are P
EAE
1
Valid
4. Formal & Informal Fallacies
NET Exam Focus Areas:
Formal Fallacies (Structure Errors)
- Undistributed Middle: "All A are B. All C are B. ∴ All A are C."
- Illicit Major/Minor: "All dogs are animals. No cats are dogs. ∴ No cats are animals."
Informal Fallacies (Content Errors)
- Ad Hominem: Attacking the person instead of argument
- Straw Man: Misrepresenting opponent's position
- False Dilemma: "Either X or Y" when more options exist
5. Uses of Language in Arguments
Function
Definition
NET Example
Informative
Conveys facts/data
"The Earth revolves around the Sun"
Expressive
Shows emotions/attitudes
"What a beautiful sunset!"
Directive
Influences behavior
"You should vote in elections"
6. Classical Square of Opposition
Key Relationships Tested in NET:
- Contradictories: A vs O, E vs I (always opposite truth values)
- Contraries: A vs E (can't both be true)
- Subcontraries: I vs O (can't both be false)
- Subalternation: A → I, E → O (truth flows downward)
🚀 UGC NET Exam Strategy
10-Year Question Analysis:
- 35% questions on identifying argument types
- 25% on fallacy detection
- 20% on square of opposition
- 15% on mood/figure analysis
- 5% on language functions
Pro Tip: Memorize the Venn diagram representations for A,E,I,O propositions - they appear in 2-3 questions every year.
