Tags: proof-by-contradiction-1 math concept inference-rule

proof-by-contradiction-1 (math concept)

Definition

proof-by-contradiction-1 is the inference-rule:

\[\left( \boldsymbol{\mathcal{H}} \: \text{assume} \: \neg \boldsymbol{P}, \mathit{Inc}\left( \boldsymbol{\mathcal{H}} \right) \right) \vdash \boldsymbol{P}\]

Where:

  • \(\boldsymbol{\mathcal{H}}\) is an hypothesis

  • \(\boldsymbol{P}\) is a propositional formula

  • \(\mathit{Inc}\) is the inconsistency function

In straightforward language, if from the hypothesis that P is false, it follows that the hypothesis is inconsistent, it follows that P is true (or alternatively that the parent theory is itself inconsistent).

Note

Note the possibility that the base theory-derivation from which the hypothesis is elaborated is inconsistent.

Synonyms

  • reductio ad absurdum [Bau10]

Sources