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Subsumption is a concept used in logic and philosophy to describe a hierarchical relationship between categories or propositions. It refers to the act of placing a more specific concept or instance under a more general one. In essence, if one thing is subsumed by another, it means the more specific thing is a part of or an example of the more general thing. This relationship implies that all properties of the more general category also apply to the more specific one.

For example, the category "dog" can be subsumed by the category "mammal." This means that all dogs are mammals, and therefore possess all the characteristics of mammals, such as having fur, being warm-blooded, and giving birth to live young. Similarly, a specific statement like "Socrates is a man" can be seen as subsumed by the general proposition "All men are mortal." If Socrates is a man, and all men are mortal, then it logically follows that Socrates is mortal.

This principle is fundamental to deductive reasoning and the organization of knowledge. It allows for the creation of taxonomies and classification systems, where broader categories encompass more specific ones. Understanding subsumption is crucial for analyzing arguments, identifying logical fallacies, and building coherent theoretical frameworks. It is a key element in understanding how specific instances relate to general rules and principles.