A proof complexity conjecture and the Incompleteness theorem
Abstract
Given a sound first-order p-time theory capable of formalizing syntax of first-order logic we define a p-time function that stretches all inputs by one bit and we use its properties to show that must be incomplete. We leave it as an open problem whether for some the range of intersects all infinite NP sets (i.e. whether it is a proof complexity generator hard for all proof systems). A propositional version of the construction shows that at least one of the following three statements is true: - there is no p-optimal propositional proof system (this is equivalent to the non-existence of a time-optimal propositional proof search algorithm), - , - there exists function that stretches all inputs by one bit, is computable in sub-exponential time and its range intersects all infinite NP sets.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2303.10637,
title = {A proof complexity conjecture and the Incompleteness theorem},
author = {Jan Krajicek},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2303.10637},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
preliminary version March 2023, revised September 2023