"the only"

[sengdykes]

In terms of conditional logic, does the phrase "the only" signify/introduce a sufficient condition?

For example: The only people who water ski are those who can swim

The diagram for this statement would be: W -> S

Therefore, being able to water ski (W) is enough to conclude that one can swim (S).

Can the phrase "the only" also introduce a necessary condition? If so, how?

[ohthatpatrick]

Yes, in every instance I've ever seen, "the only" introduces a sufficient condition.

It's obnoxious, because the vast majority of the time we see 'only', it's in the context of
only
or
only if

both of which indicate a necessary condition.

I try to teach that "the only" is "the only time it would be a sufficient condition".

Or, thinking of the three possibilities
only
only if
the only

You can think, "when there's a word to the LEFT of only, it's a left side idea"

[rafdogd664]

what about pt22 sect 2 q10

"the only motives that influence all human actions arise from self interest''

thanks pat