Each of the theorems (3.76a)-(3.76e) is called weakening or strengthening, depending on whether it is used to transform the antecedent into the consequent, thus weakening it, or to transform the consequent into the antecedent, thus strengthening it.

equipokypip1

equipokypip1

Answered question

2022-09-04

Each of the theorems (3.76a)-(3.76e) is called weakening or strengthening, depending on whether it is used to transform the antecedent into the consequent, thus weakening it, or to transform the consequent into the antecedent, thus strengthening it.
What do "to transform the antecedent into the consequent" and "to transform the consequent into the antecedent" mean? My understanding is weakening and strengthening modifies (=transforms) the antecedent and/or the consequent. Why do the authors put it as the antecedent and consequent are transformed one into the other.
(3.76) Weakening/strengthening:   ( a )   p p q (b)   p q p (c)   p q p q (d)   p ( q r ) p q (e)   p q p ( q r )

Answer & Explanation

kappastud98u

kappastud98u

Beginner2022-09-05Added 10 answers

Step 1
You can apply a theorem like (a) in two ways, either to an antecedent or to a consequent.
(1) Assume you know that the sequent p q X is valid. From (a) p p q and cut/transitivity it follows that also p X is valid. You have strenghtened the antecedent from p∨q (the consequent of (a)) to p (the antecedent of (a)). I guess this is what the authors mean with "transforming the consequent into the antecedent".
(On the other hand, the whole sequent p X is now weaker because it relies on a stronger premise!)
Step 2
(2) Assume you know that the sequent X p is valid. From (a) p p q and cut (transitivity) it follows that also X p q is valid. You have weakened the antecedent from p to p q. In other words, you have transformed p (the antecedent of (a)) into p q (the consequent of (a)).

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