An antecedent is the first half of a hypothetical proposition.

Examples:

• If P, then Q.

This is a nonlogical 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.

[edit] See also

• Consequent
• Denying the antecedent (fallacy)

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