On Weak Markov's Principle

Ulrich Kohlenbach

December 2001

Abstract:

We show that the so-called weak Markov's principle (WMP) which states that every pseudo-positive real number is positive is underivable in ${\cal T}^{\omega}:=$E-HA$^{\omega}+$AC. Since ${\cal T}^{\omega}$ allows to formalize (at least large parts of) Bishop's constructive mathematics this makes it unlikely that WMP can be proved within the framework of Bishop-style mathematics (which has been open for about 20 years). The underivability even holds if the ineffective schema of full comprehension (in all types) for negated formulas (in particular for $\exists$-free formulas) is added which allows to derive the law of excluded middle for such formulas.

Available as PostScript, PDF, DVI.

 

Last modified: 2003-06-08 by webmaster.