tableau method

The tableau method is a systematic logical procedure used to determine whether a statement or set of statements can be true together, or if they are incompatible. It works by breaking down complex formulas into simpler parts and exploring all possible scenarios in a tree-like structure. If a contradiction appears in every possible scenario, the original set is unsatisfiable, meaning it can't be all true at once. If at least one scenario remains contradiction-free, the statements are logically consistent. This method helps in verifying arguments, proving validity, or detecting inconsistencies in formal logic systems.