A consequent is the second half of a hypothetical proposition. In the standard form of such a proposition, it is the part that follows "then". In an implication, if implies then is called the antecedent and is called the consequent.
Examples:
- If P, then Q.
Q is the consequent of this hypothetical proposition.
- If X is a mammal, then X is an animal.
Here, "X is an animal" is the consequent.
- If computers can think, then they are alive.
"They are alive" is the consequent.
The consequent in a hypothetical proposition is not necessarily a consequence of the antecedent.
- If monkeys are purple, then fish speak Klingon.
"Fish speak Klingon" is the consequent here, but intuitively is not a consequence of (nor does it have anything to do with) the claim made in the antecedent that "monkeys are purple".
Famous quotes containing the word consequent:
“Ignorance of what real learning is, and a consequent suspicion of it; materialism, and a consequent intellectual laxity—both of these have done destructive work in the colleges.”
—Katharine Fullerton Gerould (1879–1944)
“One of the many to whom, from straightened circumstances, a consequent inability to form the associations they would wish, and a disinclination to mix with the society they could obtain, London is as complete a solitude as the plains of Syria.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
“The puritanical potentialities of science have never been forecast. If it evolves a body of organized rites, and is established as a religion, hierarchically organized, things more than anything else will be done in the name of “decency.” The coarse fumes of tobacco and liquors, the consequent tainting of the breath and staining of white fingers and teeth, which is so offensive to many women, will be the first things attended to.”
—Wyndham Lewis (1882–1957)