PHL 3000 Lecture 6: Module 6: Truth Tables for Classifying Statements

46 views4 pages
10 Jun 2018
School
Department
Course
Lecture 6.1: Truth Tables for Classifying Statements
Truth Tables
A truth table for a compound statement represents all of the possible combinations of
truth values to the simple parts along with the resulting truth value for the compound
statement.
Example: (A c B) v ~B
How to Create a Truth Table
Make a column for each simple statement
Make a column for each compound statement, with target statement being the last column
Enter all possible combinations of truth values for the simple statements
Enter the truth value for the compound statements based on the values of their simple
parts
When entering the possible combinations of truth values to simples, use the following
procedure:
o Number of rows needed (N) = 2x (2 to the x power), where x is the number of
simple statements
2 simples = 4 rows; 3 simples = 8 rows; 4 simples = 16 rows
o For the first column, enter n/2 T’s followed by n/2 F’s
Divide this by half again; enter this number of T’s and F’s in next column
Repeat until alternating T’s and F’s
Classifying Individual Statements
We can use truth tables in order to classify statements into one of three logical categories
o Tautologies: statements that are true no matter what values are given to its
component parts (the final column is nothing but T’s)
Generally empty statements
o Self-contradictory statements: statements that are false no matter what values are
given to its component parts (final column is nothing but F’s)
Never true problematic
o Contingent statements: statements that are true under some combination of truth
values to its simple parts, and false under other combinations of truth values to its
simple parts (final column has both T’s and F’s)
Classifying Statements: Examples
(A c B) v (A * ~B)
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Unlock document

This preview shows page 1 of the document.
Unlock all 4 pages and 3 million more documents.

Already have an account? Log in

Get access

Grade+20% off
$8 USD/m$10 USD/m
Billed $96 USD annually
Grade+
Homework Help
Study Guides
Textbook Solutions
Class Notes
Textbook Notes
Booster Class
40 Verified Answers
Class+
$8 USD/m
Billed $96 USD annually
Class+
Homework Help
Study Guides
Textbook Solutions
Class Notes
Textbook Notes
Booster Class
30 Verified Answers

Related Documents

Related Questions