Symbolic logic, with truth table definition

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between truth tables and sentences in Symbolic Logic, specifically within SD and SD+ logic derivations. The user questions whether every truth table corresponds to a sentence, noting that not all combinations of truth values can be achieved using the four main connectives (AND, OR, NOT, IMPLIES) and the negation modifier. The conclusion drawn is that while the user initially believed every truth table must have a corresponding sentence, further exploration of the negation's application suggests that this may not be the case. The user is encouraged to create all 16 truth tables and consider more complex sentences to deepen their understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Symbolic Logic concepts, particularly SD and SD+ derivations.
  • Familiarity with truth tables and their construction.
  • Knowledge of logical connectives: AND, OR, NOT, IMPLIES.
  • Ability to manipulate logical expressions, including the use of negation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to construct and interpret truth tables for complex logical expressions.
  • Explore the implications of the negation modifier in Symbolic Logic.
  • Study the principles of SD and SD+ logic derivations in greater detail.
  • Practice creating all possible truth tables for various logical sentences.
USEFUL FOR

Students of Symbolic Logic, educators teaching logic courses, and anyone seeking to understand the relationship between truth tables and logical sentences in formal logic systems.

DyslexicHobo
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I don't really know if this is an acceptable topic to be placing in a "Sciences" homework help forum. It's a problem I'm having in my Symbolic Logic class.


Homework Statement


Every sentence has a truth-table which can describe it, does every truth table have a sentence?

We're dealing with the SD and SD+ logic derivations.

Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution



It's an extra credit question, and isn't really based in any particular chapter, so I'm having trouble on where to look for the answer. My gut says yes, but I'm led to believe otherwise. For any two variables, by using the four main connectives with or without the negation modifier:


Code:
[U]A | B | A&B | AvB | A>B | A=B |[/U]
T | T |  T  |  T  |  T  |  T  |
T | F |  F  |  T  |  F  |  F  |
F | T |  F  |  T  |  T  |  F  |
F | F |  F  |  F  |  T  |  F  |

So with those 4 main connectives, each row has one possible outcome. Using those four connectives, each possible combonation for a row (TTTT, TTTF, TTFT, TFTT, ..., TFFF, FFFF) CANNOT be achieved (see FFFT, for example), even by using the negation modifier (~). Does this mean I have proved that every truth table does not have a sentence to go along with it?

But I have no clue what I'm doing, and I think I'm looking at this the wrong way. Any insight?

Thanks.
 
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I would say you should write all 16 tables and try to find a sentence for each. And you may try more complicated sentences like A&(Av~B) - not that this one is of any use, just an example.
 
AHA! I think I understand what I forgot when first trying to intuitively think about it.

The negation modifier can be moved around inside, while I was just thinking I could put it in front of the whole sentence. For example, to come up with the full 16 truth tables, I could have ~(A>B), A>~B, etc. This could form the full 16 truth tables. But I can't really know how to tell if I've PROVED anything. I can't figure out how to extrapolate this to include ALL sentences, rather than just the basic atomic sentences with the main 4 connectives +/- negation modifier.


Also, just in case it was confusing, the '>' is supposed to be a horseshoe (ex. P>Q = If P then Q).

Edit: Thanks Borek for your help. I got so excited that I thought I found something that I forgot to thank you. :D

So now I just need to figure out how to extrapolate my conclusions to include all sentences of SD.
 
Last edited:

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