I recently started using the Logic2010 software for school and fell, madly, in love with solving simple derivations. These two poems derive from that love:
I Love Derivations, and They Love Me
If I love you well
Then you’ll be well loved, my love
Love, derivations
This poem is in reference to the basic derivation rule “Modus Ponens” which dictates that a given variable, if equal to an antecedent present in a conditional statement, can be used to derive a consequent. In other symbols: If I have the premises of “X” and “X->Y” I can use Modus Ponens to derive “Y.”
Derivations Hate Me, So I Hate Them
If you are unloved
Then I have no choice. I do
Not love you either
This poem refers to the derivation inference rule “Modus Tollens.” Logicians can use Modus Tollens to derive a negative antecedent.
An acting inverse of Modus Ponens, Tollens applies to a scenario in which a variable is the negation of a conditional consequent. In other symbols: If I have the premises “~X” and “Y->X” I can use Modus Tollens to derive “~Y.”
You too can have fun solving simple derivations using Logic2010 here: https://logiclx.humnet.ucla.edu/
Noah “Noah Farberman” Farberman is a Toronto writer and Comedian. You can catch up with him on Twitter @NoahFarr