Logical Proof: Theorem (Truths of Logic) A iff ~~A

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the theorem "A iff ~~A" using indirect proofs without employing double negation. The participants break down the theorem into its equivalent forms, demonstrating the logical steps through implications and DeMorgan's laws. The proof is validated through a series of logical deductions, ultimately confirming that both sides of the equivalence hold true. Additionally, an alternative direct proof approach is suggested, emphasizing the reversibility of the steps involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of propositional logic and logical equivalences
  • Familiarity with indirect proof techniques
  • Knowledge of DeMorgan's laws in logic
  • Basic concepts of implications and disjunctions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of indirect proofs in propositional logic
  • Learn about DeMorgan's laws and their applications in logical proofs
  • Explore direct proof techniques for logical equivalences
  • Investigate the law of excluded middle and its implications in logic
USEFUL FOR

Students of logic, mathematicians, and anyone interested in understanding the foundations of logical proofs and theorems.

VeraMason
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Homework Statement
Prove that the following sentences are theorems (Truths of Logic):
A iff ~~A *Do not use Double Negation*
Relevant Equations
NA
My thought was to break up the sentence into its equivalent form: (A ->~~A) & (~~A -> A)
From there I assumed the premise of both sides to use indirect proofs, so:
1. ~(A -> ~~A) AP
2. ~(~A or ~~A) 1 Implication
3. ~~A & ~~~A 2 DeMorgan's
4. A -> ~~A 1-3 Indirect Proof
5. ~(~~A -> A) AP
6. ~(~~~A or A) 5 Implication
7. ~~~~A & ~A 6 DeMorgan's
8. ~~A -> A 5-7 Indirect Proof
9. (A ->~~A) & (~~A -> A) 4,8 Conjunction
10. A iff ~~A 9 EquivalenceTo me, this looks like it would be correct. Obviously, lines 3 and 7 would look a lot cleaner if I was allowed to use double negation, but in my mind, it shouldn't matter since both lines are a contradiction that essentially says: A & ~A.
Is this correct?
 
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VeraMason said:
Homework Statement:: Prove that the following sentences are theorems (Truths of Logic):
A iff ~~A *Do not use Double Negation*
Relevant Equations:: NA

My thought was to break up the sentence into its equivalent form: (A ->~~A) & (~~A -> A)
From there I assumed the premise of both sides to use indirect proofs, so:
1. ~(A -> ~~A) AP
2. ~(~A or ~~A) 1 Implication
3. ~~A & ~~~A 2 DeMorgan's
4. A -> ~~A 1-3 Indirect Proof
5. ~(~~A -> A) AP
6. ~(~~~A or A) 5 Implication
7. ~~~~A & ~A 6 DeMorgan's
8. ~~A -> A 5-7 Indirect Proof
9. (A ->~~A) & (~~A -> A) 4,8 Conjunction
10. A iff ~~A 9 EquivalenceTo me, this looks like it would be correct. Obviously, lines 3 and 7 would look a lot cleaner if I was allowed to use double negation, but in my mind, it shouldn't matter since both lines are a contradiction that essentially says: A & ~A.
Is this correct?
It looks OK to me, but it seems that you could also do this as a direct proof.
Here's for the first part:
##A \Rightarrow \neg \neg A##
##\Leftrightarrow \neg A \vee \neg \neg A## ( implication is equivalent to a disjunction)
##\Leftrightarrow \neg (A \wedge \neg A)## (de Morgan)
##\Leftrightarrow \neg (\text F)## (A and ~A is false)
##\Leftrightarrow \text T## (negation of false is true)

All the steps are reversible, which makes the first implication true.
 
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@VeraMason Since this statement is not true in general, you should also point out, where you are using the law of excluded middle.
 

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