Graph that models one but not both

In summary, the discussion is about proving the non-equivalence of two sentences by exhibiting a graph that models one but not both of them. The correct solution is the empty graph, as a non-empty structure would result in the derivation of $\exists xR(x,x)$ from each sentence. It is also mentioned that Definition 2.13 requires the underlying set of a structure to be non-empty and that it is incorrect to say that one sentence derives another based on a particular structure. Instead, it should be said that one sentence is a consequence of another, meaning that it is true in all models. In this case, both sentences are false in every graph due to the irreflexivity of the graph relation.
  • #1
Andrei1
36
0
Here is an exercise from Shawn Hedman's course of logic, like all others I have posted.
Show that the sentences $\forall x \exists y\forall z(R(x,y)\wedge R(x,z)\wedge R(y,z))$ and $\exists x\forall y\exists z(R(x,y)\wedge R(x,z)\wedge R(y,z))$ are not equivalent by exhibiting a graph that models one but not both of these sentences.
I would say that only the empty graph is the correct solution, because if a structure is not empty then I can derive $\exists xR(x,x)$ from each of the given sentences.
 
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  • #2
Andrei said:
I would say that only the empty graph is the correct solution, because if a structure is not empty then I can derive $\exists xR(x,x)$ from each of the given sentences.
You are basically right, but here is a couple of remarks. Definition 2.13 (in the 2006 edition) requires that the underlying set of a structure is nonempty, so the empty graph is not a structure. Second, it is wrong to say about two sentences A and B that A derives B if some structure has some property. We can say that B is a consequence of A, but this is irrespective of any particular structure (it means that M models B if M models A for all models M). What is the case here is that $\exists x\,R(x,x)$ is the consequence of either of the two given formulas, so these formulas are false in every graph (because the graph relation is supposed to be irreflexive: p. 66).
 

FAQ: Graph that models one but not both

Can a graph model only one variable and not both?

Yes, a graph can represent a relationship between two variables where one variable is dependent on the other while the other variable remains constant.

How can you tell if a graph models only one variable?

If the graph has a straight line or a curve that does not change when the other variable varies, then it represents only one variable.

What is an example of a graph that models one but not both?

A graph showing the relationship between distance and time for a car traveling at a constant speed would only model one variable, as the time variable remains constant while the distance variable changes.

Can a graph that models only one variable still be useful?

Yes, a graph that models one variable can still provide valuable information about the relationship between the two variables and can help in making predictions or understanding patterns.

Is it possible for a graph to model both variables at the same time?

Yes, a graph can model both variables simultaneously if there is a direct relationship between the two variables, where one variable affects the other as it changes.

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