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Inference Rules

Inference rules are patterns that allow the derivation of new sentences from existing ones, using a bar notation. The document outlines nine basic rules of inference, including conjunction, simplification, addition, absorption, modus ponens, modus tollens, hypothetical syllogism, and disjunctive syllogism, each with examples. These rules help determine the validity of complex deductive arguments.

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Bhuppi Latwal
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3 views3 pages

Inference Rules

Inference rules are patterns that allow the derivation of new sentences from existing ones, using a bar notation. The document outlines nine basic rules of inference, including conjunction, simplification, addition, absorption, modus ponens, modus tollens, hypothetical syllogism, and disjunctive syllogism, each with examples. These rules help determine the validity of complex deductive arguments.

Uploaded by

Bhuppi Latwal
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Inference rules

An inference rule is a pattern-matching rule which allows us to derive new sentences from
existing ones.

They are written using a bar notation: existing sentences/new sentences.

Complex deductive arguments can be judged valid or invalid based on whether or not the steps in that
argument follow the nine basic rules of inference. These rules of inference are all relatively simple,
although when presented in formal terms they can look overly complex.

Conjunction:

1. P
2. Q
3. Therefore, P and Q.

1. It is raining in New York.


2. It is raining in Boston
3. Therefore, it is raining in both New York and Boston

therefore A ∧ B
B

Simplification

1. P and Q.
2. Therefore, P.
1. It is raining in both New York and Boston.
2. Therefore, it is raining in New York.

Addition

1. P
2. Therefore, P or Q.
1. It is raining
2. Therefore, either either it is raining or the sun is shining.

Absorption
1. If P, then Q.
2. Therfore, If P then P and Q.
1. If it is raining, then I will get wet.
2. Therefore, if it is raining, then it is raining and I will get wet.

Modus Ponens

1. If P then Q.
2. P.
3. Therefore, Q.
1. If it is raining, then I will get wet.
2. It is raining.
3. Therefore, I will get wet.

Modus Ponens (MP)

A →B

A
therefore B

Modus Tollens

1. If P then Q.
2. Not Q. (~Q).
3. Therefore, not P (~P).

1. If it had rained this morning, I would have gotten wet.


2. I did not get wet.
3. Therefore, it did not rain this morning.

Hypothetical Syllogism

1. If P then Q.
2. If Q then R.
3. Therefore, if P then R.
1. If it rains, then I will get wet.
2. If I get wet, then my shirt will be ruined.
3. If it rains, then my shirt will be ruined.
Disjunctive Syllogism
1. Either P or Q.
2. Not P (~P).
3. Therefore, Q.
1. Either it rained or I took a cab to the movies.
2. It did not rain.
3. Therefore, I took a cab to the movies.

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