Answer to Question #108233 in Philosophy for Branden

Question #108233

Translate each of the following statements into symbolic form. Assume that the letters you use stand for positive statements.

Since the conditional symbol may not be available, you may translate a conditional statement with if-then. For example, the statement, "If Socrates is mortal, he will die. (m, d)" may be translated as "if m, then d."

Question: The federal deficit is out of control, but most Americans are not worried.

Expert's answer

The federal deficit is out of control: D~ C.

Most Americans are not worried A~W.

Since 'but' can also mean 'and,' which is symbolized as ⋀, the statement may be translated as "(D~ C)⋀(A~W)." Where ~ symbolizes 'not.'