What are end terms in a categorical argument?

End terms in a categorical argument refer specifically to the two terms that appear in both the premises and the conclusion of the argument. Typically, these end terms represent the major and minor premises, leading to the conclusion. In a syllogism, for instance, the end terms are crucial because they establish the relationship between the major premise (which contains the major term) and the minor premise (which includes the minor term) to arrive at a valid conclusion.

Understanding the role of end terms is fundamental in constructing and evaluating categorical arguments. They help clarify the logical structure and ensure that the premises adequately support the conclusion. Recognizing this, one can effectively analyze arguments and detect flaws or validate sound reasoning based on how these terms are employed.