modus ponens

<logic, philosophy of science> a rule of inference of the form:

	p -> q
	p
	_______
	q

Example: "If Tuesday is the 14th, then Friday must be the 17th. Tuesday is the 14th. Therefore, Friday is the 17th". A simple truth-table shows the validity of this pattern of reasoning.

[A Dictionary of Philosophical Terms and Names]

<2002-03-11>

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Nearby terms: model theory « moderation « modernism « modus ponens » modus tollens » molecule » monad