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hypothetical proposition

logic
Also known as: conditional proposition, conditional sentence

Learn about this topic in these articles:

categorical propositions

  • Venn diagrams of four categorical propositions.
    In categorical proposition

    …connections, they contrast especially with hypothetical propositions, such as “If every man is mortal, then Socrates is mortal.”

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condition

  • In condition

    B] is called a conditional (sentence or proposition). Similarly, “Whenever A then B” {in symbols, (x) [A(x) ⊃ B(x)]} may be called a general conditional. In such uses, “conditional” is a synonym for “hypothetical” and is opposed to “categorical.” Closely related in meaning are the common and useful expressions…

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Megarian logic

  • Zeno's paradox
    In history of logic: The Megarians and the Stoics

    …also proposed an interpretation of conditional propositions. He held that the proposition “If p, then q” is true if and only if it neither is nor ever was possible for the antecedent p to be true and the consequent q to be false simultaneously. Given Diodorus’s notion of possibility, this…

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Theophrastus’ investigations

  • Zeno's paradox
    In history of logic: Theophrastus of Eresus

    A hypothetical proposition, for Theophrastus is a proposition made up of two or more component propositions (e.g., “p or q,” or “if p then q”), and a hypothetical syllogism is an inference containing at least one hypothetical proposition as a premise. The extent of Theophrastus’s work…

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Related Topics:
axiology
fact
value
proposition

fact-value distinction, In philosophy, the ontological distinction between what is (facts) and what ought to be (values). David Hume gave the distinction its classical formulation in his dictum that it is impossible to derive an “ought” from an “is.” See also naturalistic fallacy.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Brian Duignan.