conditional argument

[/kənˈdɪʃənəl ˈɑːrɡjumənt/]
nounpl: conditional arguments
argumento condicional
1. An argument that depends on or is qualified by a condition; reasoning presented with a prerequisite or stipulation
His conditional argument was that the project would succeed only if funding was secured by March.
Seu argumento condicional era que o projeto teria sucesso apenas se o financiamento fosse garantido em março.
2. In logic and philosophy, an argument structured as a conditional statement (if-then format) where the conclusion depends on the truth of a hypothesis
The conditional argument presented in the court case relied on establishing the defendant's motive first.
O argumento condicional apresentado no caso judicial dependia de estabelecer primeiro a motivação do réu.
3. A form of reasoning where acceptance of the argument depends upon meeting certain preconditions or assumptions
The economist's conditional argument suggested higher taxes could reduce inflation, provided inflation remained above 5%.
O argumento condicional do economista sugeriu que impostos mais altos poderiam reduzir a inflação, desde que a inflação permanecesse acima de 5%.
This term is primarily used in academic, legal, and philosophical discourse in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, it appears frequently in law schools and philosophy departments when discussing logical argumentation. The concept is essential in both English and Portuguese-speaking legal systems when presenting arguments that depend on specific conditions being met.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
conditional reasoninghypothetical argumentcontingent argumentif-then argumentqualified argument
Antonyms / Antônimos
unconditional argumentabsolute argumentcategorical argument

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
argumento condicional
Standard usage in academic and formal contexts
São Paulo
argumento condicional / argumento sob condição
Both forms used in legal and academic settings
Rio de Janeiro
argumento condicional
Common in philosophical discussions
Portugal
argumento condicional
Used similarly in logic and philosophy contexts

Related Words

conditional statementlogical argumentpremisehypothesismodus ponensconsequentantecedent

Related Idioms & Phrases

on the condition that
with the caveat that
provided that
assuming that
if and only if
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