Suppose we need to prove that the proposition <math>p</math> is true. The procedure consists in showing that the assumption that <math>p</math> is false leads to a logical contradiction. Thus the proposition <math>p</math> cannot be false, and therefore, according to the law of the excluded third, it must be true. This method of demonstration is called ''demonstration by absurdity''<ref>{{Cite book | Suppose we need to prove that the proposition <math>p</math> is true. The procedure consists in showing that the assumption that <math>p</math> is false leads to a logical contradiction. Thus the proposition <math>p</math> cannot be false, and therefore, according to the law of the excluded third, it must be true. This method of demonstration is called ''demonstration by absurdity''<ref>{{Cite book |