problems

propositional logic: syntax and semantics

  1. Call a formula \(\varphi\) of propositional logic positive if, and only if, there are no occurrences of negation \(\neg\) in \(\varphi\). Justify each of the following claims: 

    1. Every positive formula has an odd number of symbols.

    2. Every positive formula is satisfiable. 

  2. True or false? If true, please provide an argument. If false, provide a counterexample. 

    1. Given a set of formulas \(\Gamma\) and two formulas \(\varphi\) and \(\psi\),

      if \(\Gamma \not \models \varphi\) or \(\Gamma \models \psi\), then \(\Gamma \models \varphi \to \psi\).

    2. Given a set of formulas \(\Gamma\) and two formulas \(\varphi\) and \(\psi\),

      if \(\Gamma \models \varphi \to \psi\), then \(\Gamma \not \models \varphi\) or \(\Gamma \models \psi\). 

  3. Show that for every natural number \(n > 1\), there is a set \(\Gamma\) of exactly \(n\) formulas such that 

    1. \(\Gamma\) is unsatisfiable, but

    2. Every subset \(\Delta \subseteq \Gamma\) with fewer than \(n\) formulas is satisfiable.