# Definition:Variable/Propositional Logic

Jump to navigation Jump to search
 It has been suggested that this page or section be merged into Definition:Propositional Symbol. (Discuss)

## Definition

A statement variable is a variable which is used to stand for arbitrary and unspecified statements.

For statement variables, lowercase letters are usually used, e.g.:

$p, q, r, \ldots{}$, etc.

or lowercase Greek letters, e.g.:

$\phi, \psi, \chi$ etc.

The citing of a variable can be interpreted as an assertion that the statement represented by that symbol is true.

That is:

$p$

means

$p \text { is true}$

## Also known as

Equivalent terms for statement variable are:

• sentential variable
• propositional variable
• proposition symbol.

The latter name is also used for the letters of the language of propositional logic, which are intended to represent statement variables.

## Also see

Note the difference between a statement label and a statement variable.

The first is used to identify a particular statement. The latter is used to represent an instance of any statement at all.