modus ponens
/ˌmoʊdəs ˈpoʊnenz/
if P then Q; P is true; therefore Q is true
modus ponens in a sentence
“Modus ponens: if it rains, streets are wet; it rained; streets are wet.”
Origin of modus ponens
Latin 'method of affirming'
Related Words
modus tollens
if P then Q; Q is false; therefore P is false
syllogism
a form of deductive reasoning with two premises and a conclusion
heuristic
a mental shortcut that enables quick but imperfect judgments
satisficing
accepting a good-enough option rather than seeking the optimal one
transitivity
if A relates to B and B relates to C, then A relates to C
deduction
reasoning from general premises to a logically certain conclusion