PhilArchive
open access
Diagonal arguments and fixed points
A universal schema for diagonalization was popularized by N. S. Yanofsky (2003), based on a pioneering work of F.W. Lawvere (1969), in which the existence of a (diagonolized-out and contradictory) object implies the existence of a fixed-point for a certain function. It was shown that many self-referential paradoxes and diagonally proved theorems can fit in that schema. Here, we fit more theorems in the universal schema of diagonalization, such as Euclid's proof for the infinitude of the primes and new proofs of G. Boolos (1997) for Cantor's theorem on the non-equinumerosity of a set with its powerset. Then, in Linear Temporal Logic, we show the non-existence of a fixed-point in this logic whose proof resembles the argument of Yablo's paradox (1985, 1993). Thus, Yablo's paradox turns for the first time into a genuine mathematico-logical theorem in the framework of Linear Temporal Logic. Again the diagonal schema of the paper is used in this proof; and it is also shown that G. Priest's inclosure schema (1997) can fit in our universal diagonal / fixed-point schema. We also show the existence of dominating (Ackermann-like) functions (which dominate a given countable set of functions, such as primitive recursive functions) in the schema.
Conceptio Open Archive
Analyze & explore related research in Conceptio
Connect this record directly into your research workflow or AI agent. Explore citations across open repositories, query full text, and export structured proof bundles.
This document is indexed with metadata only: full text is not available in the archive for this record. Open the official source ↗
Related documents
- More Reflections on Consequence#755697
- On the circularity of Gödel's incompleteness proofs#125020
- The General Zero Principle: Formalizing the Indeterminate Ground of Determination A Solution to the Infinite Regress Problem#109935
- Gödel’s Cantorianism#772628
- Why the Causal Theory of Reference Fails to Immunize Metaphysical Realism Against Putnam’s Model-Theoretic Arguments#705204
Record · ID 764845
Retrieved via Conceptio: every document is proof-bundled with source, license, and retrieval metadata.
Retrieved via Conceptio: every document is proof-bundled with source, license, and retrieval metadata.
Bring this data into your agent: Connect via MCP or API · 20 free credits to start · no card required
Read the Docs → · View CLI source on GitHub · Conceptio Open Knowledge Archive
Read the Docs → · View CLI source on GitHub · Conceptio Open Knowledge Archive