Haoyi Zeng: Research Project

Saarland University Computer Science

The downward Löwenheim-Skolem theorem and the blurred drinker paradox

Advisors: Dominik Kirst

Summary

The Downward Löwenheim-Skolem theorem (DLS) is a fundamental meta-theorem of first-order logic, stating that any infinite model (over a countable signature) has a countably infinte elementary submodel. It is a well-known result in reverse mathematics that DLS is equivalent to dependent choice (DC) over classical foundations such as ZF set theory. In this project we reexamine this equivalence from the perspective of constructive reverse mathematics over dependent type theory, allowing for a finer analysis of the necessary logical principles. Concretely, Over CC, the DLS theorem is equivalent to the conjunction of DC with a newly identified principle weaker than LEM that we call the blurred drinker paradox (BDP), and without CC, the DLS theorem is equivalent to the conjunction of BDP with similarly blurred weakenings of DC and CC. Orthogonal to their connection with the DLS theorem, we also study BDP and the blurred choice axioms in their own right, for instance by showing that BDP is LEM without some contribution of Markov’s principle and that blurred DC is DC without some contribution of CC.

Current state

Below, you can find a document that includes definitions and results. Currently, we are in the process of drafting the preliminary version.

Resources


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