General Question

akeil's avatar

Is subcontrarity a symmetrical, asymmetrical or nonsymmetrical property?

Asked by akeil (52points) September 10th, 2007

I believe it is symmetrical, but I am not sure if I understand the question. Here is my thought: Assume A is subcontrary to B, B must therefore be subcontrary to A since both statements can still not be true but they cannot both be false. Am I missing the boat here?

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5 Answers

hossman's avatar

hossman ducks as unintelligible to hossman question whooshes by, narrowly avoiding cranial damage and parting hossman’s hair.

bob's avatar

Nonsymmetrical. B can be subcontrary to A without A being subcontrary to B.

Then again, I’m not sure what you’re talking about.

hossman's avatar

If you’re not, you faked it well, bob. Remember, sincerity, once you can fake that, anything is possible.

akeil's avatar

welcome to logic, folks. it’s as obscure as school can get.

bob's avatar

Oh, right, I looked it up: it’s symmetrical.

answers.com says: subcontrary: A proposition related to another in such a way that both may be true, but both cannot be false.

As this link explains, all of the oppositions are symmetrical, with the exception of subalternation (which is nonsymmetrical, as far as I can tell).

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