Skip to main content
Log in

A New Proof of the Nešetřil–Rödl Theorem

  • Published:
Applied Categorical Structures Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper we give a new proof of the Nešetřil–Rödl Theorem, a deep result of discrete mathematics which is one of the cornerstones of the structural Ramsey theory. In contrast to the well-known proofs which employ intricate combinatorial strategies, this proof is spelled out in the language of category theory and the main result follows by applying several simple categorical constructions. The gain from the approach we present here is that, instead of giving the proof in the form of a large combinatorial construction, we can start from a few building blocks and then combine them into the final proof using general principles.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abramson, F.G., Harrington, L.A.: Models without indiscernibles. J. Symb. Log. 43, 572–600 (1978)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  2. Adamek, J., Herrlich, H., Strecker, G.E.: Abstract and Concrete Categories: The Joy of Cats. Dover Books on Mathematics, Dover Publications, New York (2009)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  3. Graham, R.L., Rothschild, B.L.: Ramsey’s theorem for n-parameter sets. Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 159, 257–292 (1971)

    MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  4. Hales, A.W., Jewett, R.I.: Regularity and positional games. Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 106, 222–229 (1963)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  5. Hubička, J., Nešetřil, J.: All Those Ramsey Classes (Ramsey Classes with Closures and Forbidden Homomorphisms). Preprint arXiv:1606.07979v1

  6. Mašulović, D., Scow, L.: Categorical equivalence and the Ramsey property for finite powers of a primal algebra. Algebra Univers. (to appear)

  7. Mašulović, D.: Pre-Adjunctions and the Ramsey Property. Preprint arXiv:1609.06832

  8. Mašulović, D.: A Dual Ramsey Theorem for Permutations. Preprint arXiv:1702.06596

  9. Nešetřil, J.: Ramsey theory. In: Graham, R.L., Grötschel, M., Lovász, L. (eds.) Handbook of Combinatorics, vol. 2, pp. 1331–1403. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Nešetřil, J., Rödl, V.: Partitions of finite relational and set systems. J. Comb. Theory Ser. A 22, 289–312 (1977)

    MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  11. Nešetřil, J., Rödl, V.: Ramsey classes of set systems. J. Comb. Theory A 34, 183–201 (1983)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  12. Nešetřil, J., Rödl, V.: The partite construction and Ramsey set systems. Discrete Math. 75, 327–334 (1989)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  13. Prömel, H.J.: Induced partition properties of combinatorial cubes. J. Comb. Theory A 39, 177–208 (1985)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  14. Sokić, M.: Ramsey properties of finite posets II. Order 29, 31–47 (2012)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dragan Mašulović.

Additional information

Communicated by Thomas Streicher.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mašulović, D. A New Proof of the Nešetřil–Rödl Theorem. Appl Categor Struct 26, 401–412 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10485-017-9500-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10485-017-9500-4

Keywords

Mathematics Subject Classification

Navigation