Necessary uses of abstract set theory in finite mathematics (Q1088658)

The paper presents various propositions on the integers (more precisely the rational numbers), stated in standard mathematical notations (i.e. without any concept which looks like set theory or logic). They are shown to be equivalent (in formal systems for arithmetic such as PRA, \(RcA_ 0,...)\) with the consistency of ZFC \(+\) the existence of Mahlo cardinals of any finite order. A simpler - and more convincing one, as the author says - is announced for a forthcoming paper.