Necessary and Sufficient Conditions
pg.156: Inspired by Epictetus
Necessary Condition:
In an If-Then condition, 'the clause following the 'Then' states the necessary conditions for the antecedent;
If 'A', then 'B'; B is the necessary condition for A
ie., If B is falsified, then A is falsified
For example, If 'Square', then 4 Sides;
4 sides are the necessary condition for a Square; If not it's not a square
Sufficient Condition:
It is 'A', if and if only 'B'
The truth of B guarantees the Truth of A
It is a Square, if and only if :
- 4 Sides
- 4 sides are straight
- 4 sides are equal
- 4 sides form a closed-loop
- The angle between the 2 sides is 90 degrees
All of the above are sufficient conditions for Square;
Too often we think of the necessary conditions only and seek entitlement, but forget that there are more sufficient conditions that we need to fulfill