Seven Rules of Validity

Rule One

Only three terms in a syllogism.

Rule Two

The middle term can not be in the conclusion.

Rule Four

If a term is distributed in the conclusion, it MUST be distributed in the premise as well.

Rule Six

If both premises are positive, the conclusion must be positive.

Rule Seven

If either premise is negative, the conclusion must be negative

Rule Five

No conclusion can follow two negative premises.

Rule Three

The middle term must be distributed at least once.