Conditional Quote by John Stuart Mill
““Either A is B or C is D,” means, “if A is not B, C is D; and if C is not D, A is B.” All hypothetical propositions, therefore, though disjunctive in form, are conditional in meaning; and the words hypothetical and conditional may be, as indeed they generally are, used synonymously.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A System of Logic, 1843
Logical equivalence shows that certain disjunctive statements function as conditionals, meaning the terms “hypothetical” and “conditional” can be used interchangeably.
In simple terms: Some “or” statements act like “if‑then” statements.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden conditional logic.
Themes
logic
philosophy
language
semantics
reasoning
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- debate
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
deductive reasoning
formal logic
argument analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you treat “or” as a conditional?
- What are the risks of conflating terms?
A Different Perspective
Complexity may confuse non‑technical audiences.
![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
