contingency

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contingency

logic

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June 24, 2026

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In logic, a contingent proposition is one that is not necessarily true or false. It is capable of being true or false, meaning its truth value depends on circumstances or experience. This is in contrast to necessary propositions, which are true by definition or logic, and impossible propositions, which are false by definition.12

Contingency can also refer to something that might happen or is dependent on other factors. For example, an offer to buy a house might be contingent upon it passing an inspection. In essence, contingency implies uncertainty and a dependence on future events or conditions.342

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history of logic
Syllogisms
, the contingent). In his modal syllogistic, the term “possible” (or “contingent”) is always used in sense 2 in syllogistic premises, but it is sometimes used in sense 1 in syllogistic conclusions if a conclusion in sense 2 would be incorrect.
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, the contingent). In his modal syllogistic, the term “possible” (or “contingent”) is always used in sense 2 in syllogistic premises, but it is sometimes used in sense 1 in syllogistic conclusions if a conclusion in sense 2 would be incorrect.
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$optical illusion: refraction of light$
epistemology
Necessary and contingent propositions
” A proposition is said to be necessary if it holds (is true) in all logically possible circumstances or conditions. “All husbands are married” is such a proposition. There are no possible or conceivable conditions in which this proposition is not true (on the…
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” A proposition is said to be necessary if it holds (is true) in all logically possible circumstances or conditions. “All husbands are married” is such a proposition. There are no possible or conceivable conditions in which this proposition is not true (on the…
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formal logic
Modal logic
…a republic”—that are not (contingently true propositions). Similarly, false propositions can be divided into those—like “2 + 2 = 5”—that are false by logical necessity (impossible propositions), and those—like “France is a monarchy”—that are not (contingently false propositions). Contingently true and contingently false propositions are known collectively as contingent…
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…a republic”—that are not (contingently true propositions). Similarly, false propositions can be divided into those—like “2 + 2 = 5”—that are false by logical necessity (impossible propositions), and those—like “France is a monarchy”—that are not (contingently false propositions). Contingently true and contingently false propositions are known collectively as contingent…
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predicate calculus
…respectively, the tautologous, inconsistent, and contingent sentences of the predicate calculus. Certain tautologous sentence types may be selected as axioms or as the basis for rules for transforming the symbols of the various sentence types; and rather routine and mechanical procedures may then be laid down for deciding whether given…
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…respectively, the tautologous, inconsistent, and contingent sentences of the predicate calculus. Certain tautologous sentence types may be selected as axioms or as the basis for rules for transforming the symbols of the various sentence types; and rather routine and mechanical procedures may then be laid down for deciding whether given…
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