Some notes on syllogistic in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries (Q2534146)

In this paper I discuss some of the less standard features of traditional syllogistic in order to determine how much genuine logical awareness was to be found during the period in question. In particular I examine the definitions of the major and minor terms, the computation of the number of possible modes, and the debate over the legitimacy of the fourth figure. It seems that only Arnaluld, Aldrich, and to a lesser extent, Campanella, gave a complete and acceptable account of these matters, other logicians being heavily influenced by non-formal considerations.