How to Prove the Logical Implication from Church's Mathematical Logic?

In summary, the conversation discusses a mathematical proof from Alonzo Church's Mathematical Logic, specifically 14.3 Present a Formal Proof. The individual has been stuck on the proof for a week and is seeking guidance. They mention using a truth table and suggest proving the implication through modus ponens. The other individual suggests assuming the premises and A, and then showing B as a consequence. They also provide a hint to assume p as a first step in the proof.
  • #1
Hessinger
2
0
This from Alonzo Church's Mathematical Logic, been stuck on it for a week =(.

Homework Statement


14.3 Present a Formal Proof: p [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] (q [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] r) [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] ((p [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] q) [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] r)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



A truth table has shown that the previous implication is a tautology therefore we should be able to prove it. The first half is easily obtained from modus ponens... p [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] (q [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] r) however I have not been able to get ((p [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] q) [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] r) any suggestions or guidance would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
I assume you are asked to show [itex]p \rightarrow (q \rightarrow r) \Rightarrow (p \rightarrow q) \rightarrow r[/itex].

Proofs involving conclusions of the form "if A then B" are usually best proven by assuming the premises of the claim and A and then showing B is a consequence.

Basically:

Given [itex]p \rightarrow (q \rightarrow r), (p \rightarrow q)[/itex].

Show [itex]r[/itex].

As a hint, I'd suggest assuming p as a first step in the proof.

--Elucidus

P.S.: This method is valid due to the equivalence [itex](A \wedge B) \rightarrow C \equiv A \rightarrow (B \rightarrow C)[/itex]
 

Related to How to Prove the Logical Implication from Church's Mathematical Logic?

1. What does "p→(q→r)→((p→q)→r)" mean?

"p→(q→r)→((p→q)→r)" is a logical statement known as "proof of implication." It states that if p implies q, and q implies r, then p implies r. This is also known as the transitive property of implication.

2. How does this proof work?

This proof works by using the properties of implication, specifically the transitive property. It assumes that p implies q and q implies r, and then uses those assumptions to prove that p implies r. This is done through a series of logical steps and deductions.

3. What is the significance of this proof?

This proof is significant because it is a fundamental concept in logic and mathematics. It allows us to make logical deductions and prove statements based on given assumptions. It is also a key component in many mathematical proofs and arguments.

4. Can you give an example of how this proof is used?

Sure! Let's say we have the following statements: "If it is raining, then the ground is wet" and "If the ground is wet, then the grass is green." Using the transitive property of implication, we can conclude that "If it is raining, then the grass is green." This is a simplified example, but it demonstrates how this proof is used in real-world scenarios.

5. Are there any limitations to this proof?

Yes, there are limitations to this proof. It only works for statements that are in the form of "if p, then q." This means that it cannot be used for other types of logical statements, such as "if and only if" or "not." Additionally, it is important to note that this proof relies on the validity of the initial assumptions. If the assumptions are incorrect, the proof will also be incorrect.

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