Forcing with Random Variables and Proof Complexity

Jan Krajícek author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:23rd Dec '10

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Forcing with Random Variables and Proof Complexity cover

A model-theoretic approach to bounded arithmetic and propositional proof complexity.

Aimed at researchers and graduate students in mathematics and theoretical computer science, who are interested in logical approaches to fundamental problems of computational complexity theory, and of proof complexity in particular.This book introduces a new approach to building models of bounded arithmetic, with techniques drawn from recent results in computational complexity. Propositional proof systems and bounded arithmetics are closely related. In particular, proving lower bounds on the lengths of proofs in propositional proof systems is equivalent to constructing certain extensions of models of bounded arithmetic. This offers a clean and coherent framework for thinking about lower bounds for proof lengths, and it has proved quite successful in the past. This book outlines a brand new method for constructing models of bounded arithmetic, thus for proving independence results and establishing lower bounds for proof lengths. The models are built from random variables defined on a sample space which is a non-standard finite set and sampled by functions of some restricted computational complexity. It will appeal to anyone interested in logical approaches to fundamental problems in complexity theory.

"Jan Krajíček is the leading expert on these problems and in this book he provides a new approach to builing models of bounded arithmetic which combines methods and techniques from model theory, forcing and computational complexity. Personally, I find Krajíček's approach a highly stimulating collage of ideas. I recommend this book strongly to anyone interested in logical approaches to fundamental problems in complexity theory." Soren M. Riis for Mathematical Reviews

ISBN: 9780521154338

Dimensions: 228mm x 152mm x 15mm

Weight: 380g

264 pages