démonstratsioonwhether

Démonstrationwhether is a neologism used in some scholarly discussions to describe a form of demonstration or proof that explicitly accounts for alternative outcomes introduced by the word whether. The term blends démonstration or demonstratsioon (denoting a proof or demonstration) with the English conjunction whether, signaling that the argument is structured around multiple possible branches.

Definition and scope: In logic, philosophy, and argumentation theory, démonstrationwhether refers to a proof-by-cards or case-split structure in which the argument proceeds by considering two or more mutually exclusive scenarios and deriving the target conclusion in each branch. The device emphasizes exhaustive case analysis and makes explicit that all relevant branches of the conditional are addressed.

Structure and typical use: A typical démonstrationwhether states a condition C, then presents a subproof for C and a subproof for not C (or for each alternative branch). If each branch yields the conclusion P, the overall result P is obtained. This framing is closely related to a standard proof by cases, but the label highlights the bifurcated reasoning introduced by the presence of whether.

Example: To prove a proposition P by démonstrationwhether, one would show: (1) assuming C, we derive P; and (2) assuming not C, we derive P. Therefore, P holds regardless of which branch is true. In practice, the term is more common in theoretical or pedagogical writings where authors wish to foreground the case-distinction aspect of the argument.

Relation to other concepts: Démonstrationwhether aligns with proof by cases and proof by exhaustion but is not widely adopted as a formal term in mainstream logic. It may function as a stylistic or pedagogical device rather than a standard technical label.

See also: demonstration, proof by cases, argument by cases, proof by exhaustion.