Graph that models one but not both

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the logical equivalence of the sentences $\forall x \exists y\forall z(R(x,y)\wedge R(x,z)\wedge R(y,z))$ and $\exists x\forall y\exists z(R(x,y)\wedge R(x,z)\wedge R(y,z))$. It concludes that only the empty graph serves as a model for one of these sentences, as any non-empty structure leads to the derivation of $\exists xR(x,x)$, which is not valid under the conditions of the problem. The empty graph is not considered a valid structure according to Definition 2.13 from the 2006 edition, as it requires non-empty underlying sets.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of first-order logic and quantifiers
  • Familiarity with graph theory and its properties
  • Knowledge of logical consequence and model theory
  • Review of Definition 2.13 from the 2006 edition of the relevant logic text
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of irreflexive relations in graph theory
  • Explore the concept of logical consequence in model theory
  • Examine examples of non-equivalent logical sentences in first-order logic
  • Review the definitions and properties of structures in formal logic
USEFUL FOR

Students of logic, mathematicians interested in model theory, and educators teaching first-order logic concepts will benefit from this discussion.

Andrei1
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Here is an exercise from Shawn Hedman's course of logic, like all others I have posted.
Show that the sentences $\forall x \exists y\forall z(R(x,y)\wedge R(x,z)\wedge R(y,z))$ and $\exists x\forall y\exists z(R(x,y)\wedge R(x,z)\wedge R(y,z))$ are not equivalent by exhibiting a graph that models one but not both of these sentences.
I would say that only the empty graph is the correct solution, because if a structure is not empty then I can derive $\exists xR(x,x)$ from each of the given sentences.
 
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Andrei said:
I would say that only the empty graph is the correct solution, because if a structure is not empty then I can derive $\exists xR(x,x)$ from each of the given sentences.
You are basically right, but here is a couple of remarks. Definition 2.13 (in the 2006 edition) requires that the underlying set of a structure is nonempty, so the empty graph is not a structure. Second, it is wrong to say about two sentences A and B that A derives B if some structure has some property. We can say that B is a consequence of A, but this is irrespective of any particular structure (it means that M models B if M models A for all models M). What is the case here is that $\exists x\,R(x,x)$ is the consequence of either of the two given formulas, so these formulas are false in every graph (because the graph relation is supposed to be irreflexive: p. 66).
 

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