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Quantification Theory Detailed

The document explains three key concepts in quantification theory: individual constants, individual variables, and propositional functions. Individual constants refer to specific objects and cannot be quantified, while individual variables act as placeholders that require quantifiers to gain meaning. Propositional functions contain variables and become propositions when quantified or replaced, with their truth value dependent on closure.

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34 views4 pages

Quantification Theory Detailed

The document explains three key concepts in quantification theory: individual constants, individual variables, and propositional functions. Individual constants refer to specific objects and cannot be quantified, while individual variables act as placeholders that require quantifiers to gain meaning. Propositional functions contain variables and become propositions when quantified or replaced, with their truth value dependent on closure.

Uploaded by

engineer.yogender
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Quantification Theory: Individual Constant, Individual Variable, and Propositional Functi

1. Individual Constant (Name)

Definition:

An individual constant is a symbol used to denote a particular, identifiable object or entity in the

domain of discourse. It always refers to the same individual.

Characteristics:

- Like a proper noun in natural language.

- Refers to only one specific object.

- Cannot be quantified.

- Forms atomic propositions when combined with predicates.

Notation: a, b, c...

Example:

Let a = Socrates, b = Delhi University

H(x) = "x is a human"

H(a) = "Socrates is a human" (Closed sentence with a truth value)

2. Individual Variable

Definition:

An individual variable is a symbol that can stand for any object in the domain of discourse. It does

not refer to a specific entity unless bound by a quantifier.


Characteristics:

- Functions like a placeholder or pronoun.

- Used in open sentences.

- Needs a quantifier to become meaningful.

Notation: x, y, z...

Example:

P(x) = "x is a philosopher"

P(x) is open (no truth value)

For all x P(x) = "Everyone is a philosopher"

There exists x P(x) = "There exists at least one philosopher"

3. Propositional Function (Predicate Function)

Definition:

A propositional function is a formula that contains variables and becomes a proposition when the

variables are replaced or quantified.

Characteristics:

- Not truth-functional by itself.

- Must be closed to have a truth value.

- Denotes properties or relations.

Notation: P(x), L(x, y), G(x, y, z)...


Examples:

M(x) = "x is mortal"

M(x) is open

M(a) = "Socrates is mortal" (closed)

For all x M(x) = "Everyone is mortal"

L(x, y) = "x loves y"

L(x, y) is open

L(a, b) = "Socrates loves Delhi University" (closed)

There exists x L(x, b) = "Someone loves Delhi University"

Summary Table:

| Concept | Symbol | Role | Needs Quantifier? | Truth Value? |

|------------------------|------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------|--------------|

| Individual Constant | a, b, c | Names a specific object | No | Yes (with

predicate) |

| Individual Variable | x, y, z | Placeholder for any object | Yes | No (unless

quantified) |

| Propositional Function | P(x), L(x, y) | Properties/relations | Yes or with constants | No

(open sentence) |

Practical Example:

Let domain = set of people.

F(x) = "x is a friend", a = Ram

F(x) - open
F(a) = "Ram is a friend" - closed

There exists x F(x) = "Someone is a friend" - closed

For all x F(x) = "Everyone is a friend" - closed

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