Difference Between Propositional Logic and Predicate Logic

Difference between Propositional Logic
and Predicate Logic

Last Updated : 22 Jul, 2024
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Logical reasoning forms the basis for a huge domain of

computer science and mathematics. They help in
establishing mathematical arguments, valid or invalid.
Propositional logic and predicate logic are foundational
elements of formal logic, which is essential for the study of
mathematics, computer science, and philosophy. Both
systems provide frameworks for understanding and
constructing valid arguments, though they operate at
different levels of complexity.
In this article, we will discuss both logic systems and clearly
distinguish the differences between them.
Table of Content
 What is Propositional Logic?
o Example of Propositional Logic
 What is Predicate Logic?
o Examples of Predicate Logic
 Difference between Propositional Logic and Predicate
Logic
What is Propositional Logic?
A proposition is basically a declarative sentence that has
a truth value. Truth value can either be true or false, but it
needs to be assigned any of the two values and not be
ambiguous. The purpose of using propositional logic is to
analyze a statement, individually or compositely.
Example of Propositional Logic
Let’s consider some statements as follows:
1. If x is real, then x2 > 0
2. What is your name?
3. (a+b)2 = 100
4. This statement is false.
5. This statement is true.
These statements are not propositions because they do not
have a truth value. They are ambiguous.
But the following statements:
1. (a+b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
2. If x is real, then x2 >= 0
3. If x is real, then x2 < 0
4. The sun rises in the east.
5. The sun rises in the west.
Are all propositions because they have a specific truth
value, true or false?
The branch of logic that deals with proposition
is propositional logic.
Read More: Propositional Logic – Definition & Truth
Table
What is Predicate Logic?
Predicates are properties, additional information to better
express the subject of the sentence. A quantified predicate
is a proposition , that is, when you assign values to a
predicate with variables it can be made a proposition.
Examples of Predicate Logic
In P(x) : x>5, x is the subject or the variable and ‘>5’ is the
predicate.
P(7) : 7>5 is a proposition where we are assigning values to
the variable x, and it has a truth value, i.e. True.
The set of values that the variables of the predicate can
assume is called the Universe or Domain of Discourse or
Domain of Predicate.
Read More: Predicates and Quantifiers
Difference between Propositional Logic
and Predicate Logic
The common difference between propositional logic and
predicate logic are listed in the following table:
Propositional Logic Predicate Logic
Predicate logic is an expression consisting of

Propositional logic is the logic that deals
variables with a specified domain. It consists
with a collection of declarative statements
of objects, relations and functions between the
which have a truth value, true or false.
objects.
It is the basic and most widely used logic. It is an extension of propositional logic
Also known as Boolean logic. covering predicates and quantification.
A proposition has a specific truth value, A predicate’s truth value depends on the
either true or false. variables’ value.
Predicate logic helps analyze the scope of the

subject over the predicate. There are three
Scope analysis is not done in quantifiers : Universal Quantifier (∀) depicts
propositional logic. for all, Existential Quantifier (∃) depicting
there exists some and Uniqueness Quantifier
(∃!) depicting exactly one.
Propositions are combined with Logical

Operators or Logical Connectives like
Negation(¬), Disjunction(∨), Predicate Logic adds by introducing
Conjunction(∧), Exclusive OR(⊕), quantifiers to the existing proposition.
Implication(⇒), Bi-Conditional or
Double Implication(⇔).
It is a more generalized representation. It is a more specialized representation.
It can deal with set of entities with the help of

It cannot deal with sets of entities.
quantifiers.
People Also Read:

 Mathematical Logic
 Statements in Mathematical Logic
 Logic Symbols
FAQs on Propositional Logic and
Predicate Logic
What is propositional logic?
Propositional logic, also known as sentential logic, is a
branch of logic that deals with propositions and their
relationships. It uses logical connectives like AND, OR, NOT,
IMPLIES, and IF AND ONLY IF to form compound statements
from simpler ones.
What are logical connectives?
Logical connectives are symbols used to connect
propositions and form more complex statements. Common
 AND (∧)
logical connectives include:
 OR (∨)
 NOT (¬)
 IMPLIES (→)
 IF AND ONLY IF (↔)
What is a truth table?

A truth table is a tabular representation that lists all
possible truth values of a logical expression based on the
truth values of its components. It helps in determining the
validity and equivalence of logical statements.
What is predicate logic?
Predicate logic, also known as first-order logic, extends
propositional logic by dealing with predicates and
quantifiers. It allows for the expression of statements
involving variables and relationships between objects.
What are quantifiers?
Quantifiers are symbols that indicate the scope of the
variables in a logical expression. The two most common
 Universal quantifier (∀), which means “for all”

quantifiers are:
 Existential quantifier (∃), which means “there exists”

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Difference between Propositional Logic

and Predicate Logic

Logical reasoning forms the basis for a huge domain of

Predicate logic is an expression consisting of

Predicate logic helps analyze the scope of the

Propositions are combined with Logical

It is a more generalized representation. It is a more specialized representation.

It can deal with set of entities with the help of

People Also Read:

What is a truth table?

 Universal quantifier (∀), which means “for all”

 Existential quantifier (∃), which means “there exists”

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