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excluded middle
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Definition:
The excluded middle is a logical principle which simply states that a certain type of proposition is always a tautology. The form of such a proposition is:

Either P or not-P.

For example:

Either I exist or I do not exist.

Such a statement is necessarily true - it simply isn't possible for it to be false, because there exists no "middle ground" between "being" and "not-being."

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.

What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?

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