Modus ponens: is p→q, p ⊨ q valid?

If p → q holds and p is true, q follows. Modus ponens is the rule most proofs lean on, and the tableau below closes on every branch.

Validp→q, p ⊨ q

Every branch of the tableau closes, so nothing makes the premises true and the conclusion false at once.

Proof (semantic tableau)

  1. 1True: p→qpremise
    1. 2True: ppremise
      1. 3False: qnegated conclusion
        1. 4False: pfrom line 1

          Branch closed: line 4 contradicts line 2.

        2. 5True: qfrom line 1

          Branch closed: line 5 contradicts line 3.

closed branch

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