# Episode 2: The Core Methods

**Objective:** To master the three canonical methods of proof—Direct, Contrapositive, and Contradiction—and understand the strategic logic for choosing between them [Part II, 4].

### I. Introduction: The Architect’s Blueprint

### II. Segment 1: The Direct March (Direct Proof)

* **Defining the Direct Proof:**

* **The Forward-Backward Method:**

* **Forward from Hypothesis:**

* **Backward from Conclusion:**

* **Bridging the Gap:**

* **Proving Universal Conditionals:**

* **The "Witness" in Existence:**

* **Common Direct Pitfalls:**

### III. Segment 2: Turning the Problem Around (Proof by Contrapositive)

* **The Logic of Equivalence:**

* **When to Flip:**

* **The Classic Example:**

* **Contrapositive vs. Contra ...