Modus ponens is a
valid, simple
argument form:
- If P, then Q.
- P.
- Therefore, Q.
Here is an example of an argument that fits the form modus ponens:
- If love conquers all, then love conquers Attila the Hun.
- Love conquers all.
- Therefore, love conquers Attila the Hun.
Another example:
- If democracy is the best system of government, then everyone should vote.
- Democracy is the best system of government.
- Therefore, everyone should vote.
Basically the idea is to make an "if-then" claim--these are called conditional claims--and then affirm the "if" part, or the antecedent, and then conclude with the "then" part, or the consequent.
In symbols:
( A → B )
A
∴ B
See also: modus tollens.