English

On the consistency of NF via Fuzzy Forcing

Logic 2025-09-05 v6

Abstract

In this paper, we present a proof of the consistency of the New Foundations set theory (NF\mathit{NF}). NF\mathit{NF}'s main idea is to permit very large sets (including the Universal Set) by restricting set formation to stratified formulas, thereby avoiding the classic set-theoretic paradoxes. Our proof employs a new forcing method incorporating concepts from fuzzy logic. A brief outline of the proof can be as follows: (1) We extend ZFZF to Fuzzy ZF\mathit{ZF} with a membership function μ\mu over D=Q[0,1]D=\mathbb{Q} \cap [0,1]; (2) we define Fuzzy NF\mathit{NF} as Σ\Sigma, and (3) we derive a crisp N\mathrm{N} model of NFNF. Our proof does not depend on Holmes' Tangled Type Theory (TTT\mathit{TTT}). It establishes that if ZF\mathit{ZF} is consistent, then NF\mathit{NF} is also consistent. It achieves that via the chain ZF\mathit{ZF} \rightarrow Fuzzy ZFΣNF\mathit{ZF} \rightarrow \Sigma \rightarrow \mathit{NF}. The method presented in this paper offers a novel perspective connecting fuzzy logic with classic set theory.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2504.14400,
  title  = {On the consistency of NF via Fuzzy Forcing},
  author = {Nicolás Sevilla Simón},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.14400},
  year   = {2025}
}