# In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B

• Dec 6th 2011, 08:59 PM
CDs
In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B?

I believe I need to assume A and do something Elim V, but I am really stumped as to what to do exactly. Any help would be appreciated.
• Dec 7th 2011, 12:12 AM
Annatala
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
Is a truth table not an acceptable proof for this? That's what I would use.
• Dec 7th 2011, 03:27 AM
emakarov
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
Quote:

Originally Posted by CDs
In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B?

What do you mean by "corresponds to"?

To prove (~A v B) -> (A -> B), assume ~A v B and A and do Elim V on ~A v B. If ~A, then you get get a contradiction with A, so you can derive B by ex falso. Otherwise, you already have B.

To prove the converse implication is a little more difficult and requires double negation elimination.
• Dec 7th 2011, 04:46 AM
princeps
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
Quote:

Originally Posted by CDs
In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B?

I believe I need to assume A and do something Elim V, but I am really stumped as to what to do exactly. Any help would be appreciated.

Fitch-Style Proof Builder
• Dec 7th 2011, 09:50 AM
CDs
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
This is what I've done so far. It's how to get from step 5 to 6 that confuses me.

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...ps29/Proof.jpg
• Dec 7th 2011, 10:02 AM
CDs
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
Nevermind, I figured it out. And I even know how to do the reverse. Thanks a lot guys!
• Dec 7th 2011, 10:10 AM
emakarov
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
So, could you say how you derived B in step 6 for everybody's benefit?
• Dec 7th 2011, 05:59 PM
CDs
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
Fitch says that I've proved what I tried to prove, yet upon more reflection I'm worried it might due to a bug in the program (view steps 6-9). Could somebody confirm if I did this properly?

Attachment 23042
• Dec 7th 2011, 11:13 PM
emakarov
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
Usually natural deduction is presented with the following two rules:

$\frac{\bot}{A}\bot\ \mbox{Elim}$ and $\frac{\neg\neg A}{A}\mbox{DNE}$ (double-negation elimination, called $\neg$ Elim in your program) for all formulas $A$

The rule $\bot$ Elim can be derived from DNE, which is what you did in your derivation:

Code:

  ~B    Assumption   ...   _|_  _|_ Intro ~~B    ~ Intro B      DNE
Here the assumption ~B can be vacuous, in which case you derive B just from $\bot$.

The reason to keep these two rules separate is that the logic without DNE is quite interesting on its own.

Which program do you use to create Fitch-style derivations?
• Dec 10th 2011, 02:23 PM
CDs
Re: In formal Logic (Fitch Format), how do I prove ~A v B corresponds to A -> B
The program is called Fitch by a CD called Language, Proof and Logic.