Sunday, August 31, 2008

To go or not to go

Since last night was merdeka celebration night my friends rang me up and asked me out for the countdown. However I cant decide on whether to go or just stay at home. So I told my friend Eddie that if he goes then I will go. being so undeceive, from what I learned from critical thinking, hence I can apply the (deductive reasoning of hypothetical syllogism).

1) Modus ponens (Affirming the antecedent) - Valid
-If Eddie is going, then I will go
-Eddie is going, so I will go. (yay)

2) Denying the antecedent - Invalid
-If Eddie’s going, then I’ll go
-I will not go, therefore Eddie’s not going. (Eddie might go with his other friends)

3) Modus tollens (Denying the consequent) - Valid
-If Eddie’s going, then I’ll go
-Eddie’s not going, so I will not go.

4) Affirming the consequent - Invalid
-If Eddie’s going, then I’ll go
-I’ll go, therefore Eddie’s going. (Eddie might stay at home and sleep)

So this question was bugging me.

Come to think of it, it was wise that I did not went for the countdown and rest at home instead. Thinking of assignments and next week's presentation makes me worried.

No comments: