Law of Detachment/Syllogism

Front

What is the Law of Detachment?

Back

The Law of Detachment states that if a conditional statement is true and the hypothesis is true, then the conclusion must also be true.

Front

Provide an example of the Law of Detachment.

Back

If it rains, then the ground will be wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet.

Front

What is the Law of Syllogism?

Back

The Law of Syllogism states that if 'p implies q' and 'q implies r', then 'p implies r'.

Front

Provide an example of the Law of Syllogism.

Back

If it rains, then the ground will be wet. If the ground is wet, then the grass will grow. Therefore, if it rains, the grass will grow.

Front

What does 'hypothesis' mean in a conditional statement?

Back

The hypothesis is the 'if' part of a conditional statement.

Front

What does 'conclusion' mean in a conditional statement?

Back

The conclusion is the 'then' part of a conditional statement.

Front

Is the following statement valid? 'If it is sunny, then I will go for a walk. It is sunny. Therefore, I will go for a walk.'

Back

Yes, this is a valid application of the Law of Detachment.

Front

Is the following statement valid? 'If I study, then I will pass. I passed. Therefore, I studied.'

Back

No, this is invalid. Just because the conclusion is true does not mean the hypothesis is true.

Front

What is a conditional statement?

Back

A conditional statement is an 'if-then' statement that relates two propositions.

Front

What is the difference between valid and invalid arguments?

Back

A valid argument is one where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. An invalid argument does not guarantee the truth of the conclusion even if the premises are true.