Matrix development of the calculus of relations

Abstract

In his very interesting address On the calculus of refations, Professor Tarski discussed alternative bases for that calculus. He was there interested in “…different methods of setting up the foundations of this elementary calculus in a rigorously deductive way…” and so did not discuss the method of developing the calculus of relations with which this paper is concerned. Our purpose here is to show how the use of matrix notation for relations permits an algorithmic rather than a postulational-deductive development of the calculus of relations. One limitation of the present approach is to be admitted at the very outset: to enjoy the full benefits of the matrix approach, we are obliged to confine our investigations to Universes of Discourse which are finite. The reason for this restriction will become apparent presently.