English

Godel's Second Incompleteness Theorem for Definable Theories

Logic 2016-05-03 v3

Abstract

It is proved that if TT is a Σn+1\Sigma_{n+1} Definable theory which is Σn\Sigma_n-sound and extends PAPA, then TT can not prove the sentence Σnsound(T)\Sigma_n-sound(T) that expresses the Σn\Sigma_n-soundness of TT. Optimality of this result is showed by constructing a Σn+1\Sigma_{n+1}-definable and Σn1\Sigma_{n-1}-sound theory extending PAPA such that Σnsound(T)\Sigma_n-sound(T) is TT-provable. It is also proved that no R.E. arithmetical theory, evevn very weak theories which are not Σ1\Sigma_1-complete, can prove Σ1\Sigma_1-soundness of itself.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1602.02416,
  title  = {Godel's Second Incompleteness Theorem for Definable Theories},
  author = {Payam Seraji and Conden Chao},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1602.02416},
  year   = {2016}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-22T12:45:03.323Z