Mental Logic and the Denials of Conjunctions and Disjunctions

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The mental models theory predicts that, while conjunctions are easier than disjunctions for individuals, when denied, conjunctions are harder than disjunctions. Khemlani, Orenes, and Johnson-Laird proved that this prediction is correct in their work of 2014. In this paper, I analyze their results in order to check whether or not they really affect the mental logic theory. My conclusion is that, although Khemlani et al.'s study provides important findings, such findings do not necessarily lead to questioning or to rejecting the mental logic theory.

Towards an updated reasoning formal theory

“…Likewise, Khemlani et al (2014) came to similar results, another important datum obtained with their research being that individuals often interpret ¬(A · B) as (¬A · ¬B), i.e., in exactly the same manner as ¬(A : B). But, as far as this point is concerned, papers such as those of LópezAstorga (2014bLópezAstorga ( , 2016b are very interesting. His position is initially that, given that 98ML has no predictions about DeMorgan's laws, results such as those do not have an influence on its fundamental and basic theses.…”

Some arguments that the mental logic theory needs to clarify to continue being an alternative to the mental models theory

“…I will expose and explain in details all of this in the next pages. To do that, I will base on not only works such as those cited above, but also other papers in which the discussion between the two approaches is more explicit (e.g., López-Astorga, 2014a, 2014b, 2015a, 2015b, 2015c, 2016aO'Brien, Braine, & Yang, 1994;Schroyens, Schaeken, & D'Ydewalle, 2001). In this way, I think that what is appropriate is to start by describing the general theses both of MM and ML.…”