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How were Diodorus Cronus and Philo of Megara connected?
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History of logic
Zeno's paradox, illustrated by Achilles' racing a tortoise.
Diodorus Cronus and Philo of Megara were prominent figures in the Megarian school of philosophy, with Philo serving as a pupil of Diodorus. Both philosophers were significant contributors to the development of logic in the ancient world, particularly regarding the interpretation of conditional propositions.12
Their connection is defined by their differing views on truth conditions:
- Diodorus Cronus argued that a conditional "If p, then q" is true only if it is impossible for p to be true and q to be false at any time (past, present, or future). Under his view, the truth value of a conditional is constant.12
- Philo of Megara proposed a different interpretation, stating that a conditional is true if it does not currently have a true antecedent and a false consequent. This perspective aligns with the modern concept of material implication, allowing the truth value of a conditional to change over time.12