LOGICAL CONSEQUENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Logical consequence refers to the relationship between a set of premises and a conclusion, where the conclusion follows logically from the given premises. It is a fundamental concept in logic, reasoning, and philosophy, aiming to establish a connection between statements or propositions.
In a logical argument, if the premises are true, and the argument is valid, then the conclusion must also be true. This is because logical consequence is based on the principles of deductive reasoning, wherein the truth of the premises guarantees the truth of the conclusion. The process of establishing logical consequence involves evaluating the structure and content of the argument, focusing on the coherence and logical flow of information.
Logical consequence can be formally demonstrated using logical systems, such as propositional or predicate logic, that provide a set of rules and principles for evaluating arguments. These systems employ logical connectives, quantifiers, and inference rules to determine the validity of an argument. A logical consequence is typically represented by the symbol “⊢”, indicating that a conclusion can be derived from a set of premises using the rules of the logical system.
Moreover, logical consequence is not only limited to formal logic but is also frequently utilized in everyday language to assess the soundness of arguments and draw valid conclusions. It aids in identifying inconsistencies, invalid reasoning, and fallacies, enabling individuals to critically analyze information and make reasoned judgments.
Etymology of LOGICAL CONSEQUENCE
The word "logical" originates from the Medieval Latin word "logicalis", which is derived from the Greek word "logikos", meaning "of or relating to reasoning or argumentation". The term "consequence" has Latin roots, coming from the word "consequentia", which means "a following after" or "subsequent result". Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "logical consequence" can be understood as the combining of the Latin and Greek origins of "logical" and "consequence" respectively, denoting the result that directly follows from a logical argument or reasoning.
