modus ponens

American  

[moh-duhs poh-nenz] / ˈmoʊ dəs ˈpoʊ nɛnz /

noun

Logic.

PLURAL

modus ponentes

1. the reasoning that, when a conditional statement is accepted as true, as “ If X is red, then Y is blue,” it can be inferred when the antecedent is known to be true, as “X is red,” that its consequent, “Y is blue,” is affirmed.

2. an argument based on the reasoning of modus ponens.

   A simple modus ponens might begin with “If Joe sneezes, Tom laughs.”

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modus ponens British  

/ ˈməʊdəs ˈpəʊˌnɛnz /

noun

1. logic the principle that whenever a conditional statement and its antecedent are given to be true its consequent may be validly inferred, as in if it's Tuesday this must be Belgium and it's Tuesday so this must be Belgium

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Etymology

Origin of modus ponens

First recorded in 1835–40; New Latin: literally “affirming mode”

Example Sentences

“Modus ponens is O.K. when you’re doing the informal proofs, but modus tollens can be tough,” Murphy said as he packed his books and pens.

From New York Times

Instead, all their arguments involve what logicians know as “modus ponens”: that if X implies Y and X is true, then Y must also be true.

From Scientific American

This is the Modus Ponens or Positive Mode, where you reach a conclusion by obtaining the admission of the Antecedent.

From Project Gutenberg

Two Moods are usually recognised the Modus ponens, in which the antecedent of the hypothetical major premise is affirmed; and the Modus tollens, in which its consequent is denied.

From Project Gutenberg

Rule of the Modus ponens: The antecedent of the major premise being affirmed in the minor premise, the consequent is also affirmed in the conclusion.

From Project Gutenberg