Arguments and Validity

Construct a truth table for (𝑝 ↔ 𝑞) ∨ 𝑞 values.

𝑝 𝑞 𝑝↔𝑞 (𝑝 ↔ 𝑞) ∨ 𝑞

T T T T
T F F F

F T F T

F F T T

The table/proposition is a contingency.

Construct a truth table for (𝑝 → 𝑞) ∧ (~𝑝 ∨ 𝑞) values.

𝑝 𝑞 ~𝑝 𝑝→𝑞 ~𝑝 ∨ 𝑞 (𝑝 → 𝑞) ∧ (~𝑝 ∨ 𝑞)

T T F T T T
T F F F F F

F T T T T T

F F T T T T

Example 6.3.3 page 190

Step 1: Identify and represent your simple propositions.
s: I study.
p: I have good chances of passing the exam.
a: I can attend the party.
~s: I do not study.
Step 2: Symbolize the argument.
If s, then p. 𝑠→𝑝
If ~s, then a. ~𝑠 → 𝑎
Ergo, p or a ∴𝑝∨𝑎
Exercise 6.3.3
If I will join extracurricular activities then, I will have to learn proper time management. I learned
proper time management. Thus, I joined extracurricular activities.
Step 1: Identify and represent your simple propositions.
𝑝: I will join extracurricular activities.
𝑞: I will have to learn proper time management.

Step 2: Symbolize the argument.

If p, then q. 𝑝→𝑞
q. 𝑞
Ergo, p. ∴𝑝

[(𝑝 → 𝑞) ∙ 𝑞] → 𝑝

𝑝 𝑞 𝑝→𝑞 (𝑝 → 𝑞) ∙ 𝑞 [(𝑝 → 𝑞) ∙ 𝑞] → 𝑝

T T T T T

T F F F T

F T T T F

F F T F T

Upon verification, the argument is proven to be NOT VALID.

MODUS PONENS (MP)

𝑝→𝑞
𝑝
∴𝑞
𝑝: I will join extracurricular activities.
𝑞: I will have to learn proper time management.
If I will join curricular activities, then I will have to learn proper time management. I joined
extracurricular activities. Therefore, I learned proper time management.
With the use of MODUS PONENS, the argument is proven to be valid.

MODUS TOLLENS (MT)

𝑝→𝑞
~𝑞
∴ ~𝑝
𝑝: I will join extracurricular activities.
𝑞: I will have to learn proper time management.
If I will join curricular activities, then I will have to learn proper time management. I did not learn
proper time management. Therefore, I did not join extracurricular activities.
With the use of MODUS TOLLENS, the argument is proven to be valid.

Reading Assignment
Read and understand SWITCH ON on page 192 – 193 of your book.