Proving the Axiom of Quantifiers: A Simple Algebraic Approach

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equivalence of two quantified statements: ##\forall x\forall y\ p(x,y)\Leftrightarrow\forall y\forall x\ p(x,y)##. Participants express uncertainty about the nature of the proof and the use of algebraic methods in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to establish the proof by assuming the initial statement and exploring implications through specific examples. Questions arise regarding the application of existential generalization and the rules of universal generalization in the proof process.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the proof structure, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the validity of their reasoning. Some guidance on the rules of inference has been provided, but no consensus has been reached regarding the proof's completeness or correctness.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to use only algebraic methods for the proof, which may limit the approaches they consider. There is also a noted uncertainty about the role of existential generalization in this context.

amilapsn
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Homework Statement



This question may seem as an axiom to some. I also feel the same.
Prove:
##\forall x\forall y\ p(x,y)\Leftrightarrow\forall y\forall x\ p(x,y)##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
##Assume\ \forall x\forall y\ p(x,y)##
##Let\ x_0\in \mathbb{R}##
##\ \ \therefore \ \forall y \ p(x_0,y)##
##\ \ Let\ y_0\in \mathbb{R}##
##\ \ \ \ \therefore\ p(x_0,y_0)##

From here onwards I'm stuck. Someone please help me to prove this (using only algebraic methods).
 
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amilapsn said:

Homework Statement



This question may seem as an axiom to some. I also feel the same.
Prove:
##\forall x\forall y\ p(x,y)\Leftrightarrow\forall y\forall x\ p(x,y)##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
##Assume\ \forall x\forall y\ p(x,y)##
##Let\ x_0\in \mathbb{R}##
##\ \ \therefore \ \forall y \ p(x_0,y)##
##\ \ Let\ y_0\in \mathbb{R}##
##\ \ \ \ \therefore\ p(x_0,y_0)##

From here onwards I'm stuck. Someone please help me to prove this (using only algebraic methods).

Do you have a rule for existential generalization to conclude first ## \forall x p(x,y_0) ## and then do the same for ##y_0##?
 
WWGD said:
Do you have a rule for existential generalization to conclude first ## \forall x p(x,y_0) ## and then do the same for ##y_0##?
I didn't get you...
Do you mean this...?

##Assume\ \forall x\forall y\ p(x,y)##
##Let\ y_0\in \mathbb{R}##
##\ \ \therefore \ \forall x \ p(x,y_{0})##
##\ \ Let\ x_0\in \mathbb{R}##
##\ \ \ \ \therefore\ p(x_0,y_0)##
##\ \ \therefore \forall x\ p(x,y_0)##
##\therefore \forall y\ \forall x\ p(x,y)##

BTW: I don't know what existential generalization could do here. Universal specification and universal generalization are the only rules of inference I can think of.
Thank You.
 
Somebody tell me whether I'm right or wrong...
 
Could you please tell us the details of the rule of universal generalization that you use?
 
universal generalization:if P(a) is true for all a in universe of discourse then we can say $$\forall x P(x)$$
 
Then it seems like from ##p(x_0,y_0)##, since each of ##x_0,y_0 ## is arbitrary, you could generalize to either ## \forall x p(x,y_0)## or ##\forall y p(x_0,y)## and then generalize again. I think that does it.
 
WWGD said:
Then it seems like from ##p(x_0,y_0)##, since each of ##x_0,y_0 ## is arbitrary, you could generalize to either ## \forall x p(x,y_0)## or ##\forall y p(x_0,y)## and then generalize again. I think that does it.
Me too...
 

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