Chapter 5: Problem 36
"If \(\mathrm{x}\) is a good actor, then \(\mathrm{y}\) is bad actress" is (1) a tautology (2) a contradiction (3) a contingency (4) None of these
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The statement is a contingency.
Step by step solution
01
Rewriting the statement using logical symbols
The given statement can be rewritten as a logical implication "x → y", where x represents the statement "x is a good actor" and y represents the statement "y is a bad actress".
02
Creating a truth table for the implication
To determine the property of this statement, we need to create a truth table for the logical implication "x → y". The truth table looks like this:
x | y | x → y
--- | --- | -----
T | T | T
T | F | F
F | T | T
F | F | T
03
Analyzing the truth table
Looking at the truth table, we can see that the statement "x → y" (If x is a good actor, then y is a bad actress) can be true or false, depending on the truth values of x and y.
04
Identifying the type of statement
Since the statement can be either true or false based on the values of x and y, it is not a tautology or a contradiction. A tautology is a statement that is always true, and a contradiction is a statement that is always false. Therefore, the given statement is a contingency, which is a statement that can be true or false depending on the truth values of its components.
So the correct option is:
(3) a contingency
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Logical Implication
Logical implication is a fundamental concept in logic. It describes a relationship between two statements or propositions. In our example, "If \( x \) is a good actor, then \( y \) is a bad actress" can be written as \( x \to y \). This means if \( x \) is true, \( y \) must also be true for the implication to hold.
However, if \( x \) is false, the implication \( x \to y \) is considered true, regardless of whether \( y \) is true or false. This might seem counterintuitive, but it follows the rules of logical implication. This relationship is best understood through a truth table, which visually represents the possible outcomes.
However, if \( x \) is false, the implication \( x \to y \) is considered true, regardless of whether \( y \) is true or false. This might seem counterintuitive, but it follows the rules of logical implication. This relationship is best understood through a truth table, which visually represents the possible outcomes.
Truth Table
A truth table helps us determine the truth value of a logical proposition under different conditions. It is a systematic way to explore all possible combinations of truth values for statements.
To create a truth table for \( x \to y \):
To create a truth table for \( x \to y \):
- List all possible truth values for \( x \) and \( y \).
- Apply the rules of implication to find \( x \to y \).
Tautology
A tautology is a statement that is always true, regardless of the truth values of its components. For a logical proposition to be a tautology, every row in its truth table must evaluate to true.
In the exercise, the statement \( x \to y \) is not a tautology. The truth table contains a scenario (\( x = T \), \( y = F \)) where \( x \to y \) is false. This makes it clear that the statement does not meet the criteria for a tautology.
In the exercise, the statement \( x \to y \) is not a tautology. The truth table contains a scenario (\( x = T \), \( y = F \)) where \( x \to y \) is false. This makes it clear that the statement does not meet the criteria for a tautology.
Contradiction
A contradiction is a statement that is always false, no matter the truth values of its individual parts. Essentially, every possible outcome in its truth table results in a false value.
For example, if we have a statement that is false in all scenarios, it is a contradiction. For the given \( x \to y \), there are scenarios where the statement is true, showing it is not a contradiction.
For example, if we have a statement that is false in all scenarios, it is a contradiction. For the given \( x \to y \), there are scenarios where the statement is true, showing it is not a contradiction.
Contingency
A contingency is a logical statement that can be true or false depending on the truth values of its components. Unlike tautologies and contradictions, contingencies have a mix of true and false outcomes in their truth tables.
In the exercise, the statement "If \( x \) is a good actor, then \( y \) is a bad actress" is a contingency. This is because it can be true or false, depending on \( x \) and \( y \). Contingencies show the variability and practical applicability of logical statements in real-world situations.
In the exercise, the statement "If \( x \) is a good actor, then \( y \) is a bad actress" is a contingency. This is because it can be true or false, depending on \( x \) and \( y \). Contingencies show the variability and practical applicability of logical statements in real-world situations.