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.
Valid
p→q, p ⊨ qEvery branch of the tableau closes, so nothing makes the premises true and the conclusion false at once.
Proof (semantic tableau)
- 1True: p→qpremise
- 2True: ppremise
- 3False: qnegated conclusion
- 4False: pfrom line 1
Branch closed: line 4 contradicts line 2.
- 5True: qfrom line 1
Branch closed: line 5 contradicts line 3.
closed branch