Computer Dictionary of Information Technology

predicate logic

(Or "predicate calculus") An extension of propositional logic with separate symbols for predicates, subjects, and quantifiers.

For example, where propositional logic might assign a single symbol P to the proposition "All men are mortal", predicate logic can define the predicate M(x) which asserts that the subject, x, is mortal and bind x with the universal quantifier ("For all"):

	All x . M(x)

Higher-order predicate logic allows predicates to be the subjects of other predicates.