Question 1
Classify the following logical statement:
p ∨ ¬p
Is it a Tautology (always True), Contradiction (always False), or Contingent (depends on variables)?
Step 1: Understand the classifications
• Tautology: Always True for all possible truth values
• Contradiction: Always False for all possible truth values
• Contingent: True for some values, False for others
Step 2: Analyze the expression
Expression: p ∨ ¬p
Step 3: Test all possible combinations
Truth table:
p=T: T ∨ F = T
p=F: F ∨ T = T
Result: Always True → TAUTOLOGY
This is the Law of Excluded Middle
• Tautology: Always True for all possible truth values
• Contradiction: Always False for all possible truth values
• Contingent: True for some values, False for others
Step 2: Analyze the expression
Expression: p ∨ ¬p
Step 3: Test all possible combinations
Truth table:
p=T: T ∨ F = T
p=F: F ∨ T = T
Result: Always True → TAUTOLOGY
This is the Law of Excluded Middle