What type of hypothetical syllogism is the following? If this butterfly's wings had not dried properly, then it would not be able to fly.
But it is able to fly.
So this butterfly's wings dried properly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of modus tollens, which follows the form: If P, then Q. Not Q. Therefore, not P. In this case, P is "this butterfly's wings had not dried properly," and Q is "it would not be able to fly." The statement "But it is able to fly" negates Q, leading to the conclusion that P is also false, hence the butterfly's wings dried properly.

What Type of Hypothetical Syllogism Is the Following? If This