Reiter's Theory

Reiter's theory of conditionals explains how we evaluate “if-then” statements based on three aspects: the antecedent (the “if” part), the consequent (the “then” part), and the overall context or background assumptions. It posits that a conditional is true if, when the antecedent is assumed or added to the background knowledge, the consequent logically follows. This approach clarifies how we reason with conditionals in everyday language, emphasizing the importance of contextual assumptions and logical coherence in determining the truth of “if-then” statements.