3

Continuity and the Axiom of Choice

I have proved a small generalization of Brian's argument, that is, "If $f:X\rightarrow Y$ is sequentially continuous on $X$ and $X$ is separable, then $f$ is continuous on $X$".

Next, I have proved that "If $f:C\rightarrow Y$ is sequentially continuous on $C$ and $C$ is a connected set in $\mathbb{R}$, then $f$ is continuous on $C$". Now, i want to generalize this.

Is every connected set in a separable metric space is separable? (in ZF)

Edit: I don't know if this helps, but actually the statement i want to prove is exactly the same as proving 'Every connected set in a separable complete metric space is separable'.

(It can be proven that 'Every separable metric space has a separable completion' in ZF. In fact, if $\varphi : X \rightarrow X^*$ is an isometry and $X^*$ is a completion of $X$ and $D$ is a countable dense subset of $X$, then $\varphi[D]$ is dense in $X^*$. Since $\varphi$ is an isometry, it maps connected subset to connected subset.)

Katlus
  • 6,593
  • Am I to assume you are working without Choice? – user642796 Nov 07 '12 at 09:06
  • @Arthur Yes. Just edited my post. – Katlus Nov 07 '12 at 09:07
  • Katlus, do the comment on Brian's deleted answer, $\mathbb{R\setminus Q}$ is always separable (consider algebraic numbers, or $\mathbb Q+\pi$), but it is consistent to have a set of real numbers which is inseparable. – Asaf Karagila Nov 07 '12 at 12:32
  • @Asaf: What would this comment on the deleted answer say? As a sub-10Ker, I (alas) do not have access to these words of wisdom. (Also, is Katlus able to see the comment on the deleted answer?) – user642796 Nov 07 '12 at 12:42
  • 1
    @Arthur: Brian wrote (wrongly) that serparability is hereditary [true only with countable choice] and Katlus replied "isn't it consistent that $\mathbb{R\setminus Q}$ is not separable in ZF?". – Asaf Karagila Nov 07 '12 at 12:46
  • Isn't it a theorem under ZF that all connected subsets of $\mathbb{R}$ are intervals? This doesn't answer the general question, but it would mean we have to leave the real line when looking for counterexamples. – user642796 Nov 07 '12 at 13:04
  • @Asaf Arthur's right. That cannot be a counterexample. – Katlus Nov 07 '12 at 13:14
  • @Arthur: Yes, it does. I was merely pointing out that the fact $\mathbb{R\setminus Q}$ could be inseparable is false. @Katlus, This has nothing to do with the question, just a general remark on what you'd said.` – Asaf Karagila Nov 07 '12 at 13:16

0 Answers0