1. **State the problem:** Determine whether the logical expression $p \wedge (\neg q \wedge \neg p)$ is a tautology, contradiction, or neither. 2. **Recall definitions:** - A **tautology** is true for all truth values of its variables. - A **contradiction** is false for all truth values. - Otherwise, it is **neither**. 3. **Analyze the expression:** $$p \wedge (\neg q \wedge \neg p)$$ 4. **Use associativity and commutativity:** $$p \wedge \neg p \wedge \neg q$$ 5. **Note that $p \wedge \neg p$ is always false:** $$p \wedge \neg p = \text{False}$$ 6. **Therefore:** $$p \wedge (\neg q \wedge \neg p) = \text{False} \wedge \neg q = \text{False}$$ 7. **Conclusion:** The expression is false for all truth values of $p$ and $q$, so it is a **contradiction**.