Diagrammatic Representation as a Tool for Clarifying Logical Arguments

Knowledge representation of reasoning processes is a central notion in the field of artificial intelligence, especially for knowledge-based agents, because such representation facilitates knowledge of action outcomes necessary for optimum performance by problem-solving agents in complex situations. Logic is the primary vehicle by which knowledge is represented in knowledge-based agents. It involves logical inference that produces answers from what is known based on this inference mechanism. Modus Ponens is the best-known rule of inference that is sound. Recently, a dispute has arisen regarding attempts to show that modus ponens is not a valid form of inference. Part of the cause of the controversy is miscommunication of the involved problem. This paper proposes a diagrammatic representation of modus ponens with the hope that such a representation will serve to clarify the issue. The advantage of this diagrammatic representation is a better understanding of the reasoning process behind this inference rule. Keywords—artificial intelligence; diagrammatic representation; conditionals; argument forms; logical argumentation; modus ponens