Introduction to Philosophy: Overhead

Parfit's Argument that I am Not Neither of the Survivors
(in reference to the division case)

This is Parfit's proof of premise 4 of the overall argument:

1. If I am neither of the survivors, then I have not survived.
2. If I have not survived, then the operation is as bad (for me) as death.
3. If I am neither of the survivors, then the operation is as bad (for me) as death. (by hypothetical syllogism from 1 and 2)
4. But the operation is not as bad (for me) as death.
5. It is not the case that I am neither of the survivors. (by modus tollens from 3 and 4)

Richard Lee, rlee@uark.edu, last modified: 25 November 2002

	1.	If I am neither of the survivors, then I have not survived.
	2.	If I have not survived, then the operation is as bad (for me) as death.
	3.	If I am neither of the survivors, then the operation is as bad (for me) as death. (by hypothetical syllogism from 1 and 2)
	4.	But the operation is not as bad (for me) as death.
	5.	It is not the case that I am neither of the survivors. (by modus tollens from 3 and 4)