Diagonalizing by Fixed-Points

A universal schema for diagonalization was popularized by N. S. Yanofsky (2003) 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 theorem on 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. 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 also it is 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—like primitive recursives) using the schema. Acknowledgements The authors warmly thank the comments and suggestions of Professor Noson S. Yanofsky who has wholeheartedly encouraged the research of this paper. This is a part of the first author’s Ph.D. thesis in Tarbiat Modares University written under the supervision of the second author who is partially supported by a research grant (No. S/6430-1) from the University of Tabriz, Iran. vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 18A10 · 18A15 · 03B44 · 03A05.