The Hahn representation theorem for ℓ-groups in ZFA

Abstract

In [7] the author discussed the relative force —in the set theory ZF— of some representation theorems for ℓ-groups (lattice-ordered groups). One of the theorems not discussed in that paper is the Hahn representation theorem for abelian ℓ-groups. This result, originally proved by Hahn (see [8]) for totally ordered groups and half a century later by Conrad, Harvey and Holland for the general case (see [4]), states that any abelian ℓ-group can be embedded in a Hahn product of copies of R (the real line with its natural totally-ordered group structure). Both proofs rely heavily on Zorn's Lemma which is equivalent to AC (the axiom of choice).The aim of this work is to point out the use of non-constructible axioms (i.e., AC and weaker forms of it) in the proofs. Working in the frame of ZFA, that is, the Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory where a non-empty set of atoms is allowed, we present alternative proofs which, in the totally ordered case, do not require the use of AC. For basic concepts and notation on ℓ-groups the reader can refer to [1] and [2]. For set theory, to [11].