Modus ponens is a valid, simple argument form: |
Modus ponens is a valid, simple argument form: |
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. |
( A → B ) |
A → B |
Here is an example of an argument that fits the form modus ponens: :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
Here is an example of an argument that fits the form modus ponens:
See also: modus tollens.