Existential Generalization

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ƒy / (∃x)ƒx EG   where the VARIABLE y is free in ƒy in ALL of those places that x is bound in ƒx by the quantifier (∃x) but y may be free in other places in ƒy as well.

ƒa / (∃x)ƒx EG   where the CONSTANT a is free in ƒa in ALL of those places that x is bound in ƒx by the quantifier (∃x) but a may be free in other places in ƒa as well.

CORRECT

1. (x)Axy  
2. (∃y)(x)Axy 1,EG

INcorrect

1. (x)Axy    
2. (∃x)Axx

1,EG X since the (∃x) controls 2 places in line #2 but y is free only once in #1. Besides, one quatifier cannot simply be replaced by the other.

CORRECT

1. Aa • Ba  
2. (∃z)[Az • Bz] 1,EG

INcorrect

1. Aa • Bb    
2. (∃y)[Ay • By] 1,EG X since cannot control 2 different individuals with 1 quantifier.

CORRECT

1.
2.
3.
(∃y)Axyx
Axax
(∃y)Ayax
 
1,EI
2,EG
 
4. Ax  
  |5.
|6.
Bx
(∃x)Ax
ACP
4,EG