Definition:Sequent
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Definition
A sequent is an expression in the form:
- $\phi_1, \phi_2, \ldots, \phi_n \vdash \psi$
where $\phi_1, \phi_2, \ldots, \phi_n$ are premises (any number of them), and $\psi$ the conclusion (only one), of an argument.
Also presented as
Instead of presenting the sequent all on one line, separated by commas, it is often arranged in a vertical form:
\(\ds \phi_1\) | \(\) | \(\ds \) | ||||||||||||
\(\ds \phi_2\) | \(\) | \(\ds \) | ||||||||||||
\(\ds \ldots\) | \(\) | \(\ds \) | ||||||||||||
\(\ds \phi_n\) | \(\) | \(\ds \) | ||||||||||||
\(\ds \vdash \ \ \) | \(\ds \psi\) | \(\) | \(\ds \) |
Which form is preferred depends on personal taste or convenience.
A long sequent with complex premises is often better presented in the vertical form, whereas a simpler sequent which is easily comprehended at a glance may merit the single-line treatment.
Also see
Sources
- 1965: E.J. Lemmon: Beginning Logic ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: The Propositional Calculus $1$: $2$ Conditionals and Negation
- 2000: Michael R.A. Huth and Mark D. Ryan: Logic in Computer Science: Modelling and reasoning about systems ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 1.2$: Natural Deduction