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# Modus ponens

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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.

See also: modus tollens.

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Last edited May 1, 2001 1:17 pm (diff)
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