An antecedent is the first half of a hypothetical proposition. Examples:
- If P, then Q.
This is a standard logical formulation of a hypothetical proposition. In this case, the antecedent is P, and the consequent is Q.
- If X is a man, then X is mortal.
"X is a man" is the antecedent for this proposition.
- If men have walked on the moon, then I am the king of France.
Here, "men have walked on the moon" is the antecedent.
See also
- Consequent
- Denying the antecedent (fallacy)
