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

The skeptic’s argument takes the form of what is called modus ponens, meaning a valid inference where the antecedent of a conditional is affirmed.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

The second form, modus ponens, uses a conditional, and if you think about necessary and sufficient conditions already discussed, then the validity of this inference becomes apparent.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022