[2.1] logic introduction truth table concerns
Chobbes opened this issue · 3 comments
In Definition 3, the truth table:
- using top and bottom symbols for the truth table... Everything kind of blends in? I might try colouring them differently, or something?
- I also don't know that I like how the table lines up... Seems like things should be centred, not left justified?
- I think that there should be a vertical line or something after a and b, and before a /\ b to indicate that on the left a and b are assigned values, while the values on the right follow from this...
- it might even be a good idea to break this table up into several tables, one per connective. This would also let you talk a bit more about what each connective actually means.
If somebody is delving into logic for the first time, I think this section is somewhat unclear. There are no plain English definitions of the logical connectives, and instead a giant truth table that's actually fairly hard to read. The "in other words" section is just a compressed truth table with no text to motivate why these connectives behave the way they do. Even having something simple like "and means that both a and b have to be true in order for a /\ b to be true" would really help to solidify this in a beginner's mind.
Truth tables are touched a bit in high school, but this is a valid point! :) I'll try to break up things and make them simpler.
Depends where you're from! Unfortunately, I think a lot of high schools in North America do not touch on truth tables.
Ah, this is good to know. In South Eastern Europe (where I come from), truth tables and propositions are briefly discussed in 1st year during high school.
In any case, the issue makes total sense! Thanks.