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otherme123 • today at 4:14 PM • 0 replies • view on HN

Modus ponens is a valid "If A happens, B happens in consequence. A happens. Then B also happens". A "modus ponens fail", also called "affirm the consequence" is the invalid "If A happens, B happens in consequence. B is observed. Then A happened".

Valid: if someone is hit by a train, he dies. Someone was hit by a train, then he is dead.

Invalid: if someone is hit by a train, he dies. Someone is found death, thus he must have been hit by a train.