cmp.2008.08.17
ed.2008.08.27.01 (Made this into a simple logic post.)
A sufficient condition is a condition that is enough to imply the truth of another condition. If the preceding, (antecedent) condition is true, then it must also be the case that the following condition, (consequent), is true. If "A", then "B". (A is the sufficient condition). It is also understood "B" could be true even without "A". But, if "A" is true, then "B" necessarily follows.
For example:
1. If it rains, then the streets will definitely get wet. Though, the streets could get wet in other ways, like water gun fights. Rain is a sufficient condition for the streets to get wet.
2. Cutting a tree down is a sufficient condition to kill that tree, (all that is needed to kill that tree is to cut it down, there may be other ways to kill it though).
3. Burning a tree down to the grown is a sufficient condition to kill that tree, (all that is need to kill that tree is to burn it down, there may be other ways to kill it though).
A necessary condition is a condition that must be met in order for something else to be true. "B" MUST be true in order for "A" to be true. If "B" is false, then "A" must be false.
For example:
1. It is a necessary condition for me to be breathing in order to live.
2. It is a necessary condition for me to be hydrated in order to live.
Sufficient and Necessary Conditions
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1 comments:
Wow. I would be doing horribly in this type of class. I have not been taught in a class on Logic. And, I have a hard time going with an answer that seems to be invented.
When you spell out your two examples below, it is obvious that they are both false like you said:
Traveling abroad is a Necessary condition for learning a new language.
N > T : It is necessary to travel abroad to learn a new language.
Traveling abroad is a Sufficient condition for learning a new language.
T > N : If you travel abroad, then you WILL learn a new language.
But, without it spelled out for me and with my lack of knowledge & Logic;
Question:
Traveling abroad is a ___________ condition for learning a new language.
A. Necessary Condition
B. Sufficient Condition
I would know for certain that A is false because I think everyone knows it's not necessary(I would hope). But even though B is also false, I would have selected B. But this just shows my lack of knowledge in this area and that I'm guessing that my 50/50 chance is right.
So basically your left with the wrong answer of sufficient because it could be enough to learn a new language while traveling abroad and it's the only possible answer left for this question on the test. So I understand your frustration and why there isn't a possible answer C or the right answer.
After reading your blog, it made me think how many areas I am unaware. It also made me question how a teacher comes to be a teacher in an area even they don't understand.
Why aren't you teaching this class? Well, I guess you kinda are huh... :)
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