Concept · Foundations

Generalization

A proof move that goes from a claim about an individual to a quantified claim; universal generalization is allowed only when the individual was arbitrary, and existential generalization is always allowed when a specific instance has been found.

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Why it matters

Generalization is how derivations conclude quantified statements, and its restrictions are the main source of errors in predicate proofs.

Where this shows up

Units and lessons using this concept

Following the links will take you to the page where this term is introduced in context.

Units (1)

Predicate Logic: Quantifiers, Predicates, and Formal StructureStudents move beyond sentence-level structure to analyze internal form with predicates, variables, and quantifiers. They learn to transla…

Lessons (1)

Quantifier Rules in ProofPredicate Logic: Quantifiers, Predicates, and Formal Structure

Other concepts in Foundations

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