Proposition and Predication

Abstract

Subject-predicate linkage and its role in language and metaphysics is the point where the immanent logic of thought and its relation to reality uncover themselves. The logic of predication displays itself in language in the elementary proposition. For Indo-European languages, the core predication formula is “S is P.” It is backed by a universal intuition of a closed space, as exemplified by Euler diagram. The formal logic based on that type of the subject-predicate linkage may be called substance-based logic. The “S is P” construction is not possible in natural Arabic. This language uses an alternative predication formula for connecting subject to predicate, which in the terminology of traditional Arabic grammar is designated as “S isnād P” where isnād literally means “leaning.” This Arabic elementary proposition reflects the basic intuition of the flux, the intuition of continuous process of flowing. The logic based on of this type of subject-predicate linkage is referred to as process-based logic.