On the minimal cover property in \(\mathbf{ZF}\) (Q2250127)

A topological space \((X,\mathfrak{T})\) has the minimal cover property (mcp) if every cover \(\mathfrak{V} \subseteq \mathfrak{T}\) of \(X\) has a minimal subcover \(\mathfrak{U}\) (with respect to set inclusion). The authors investigate in ZF the set-theoretic strength of the following statements: MCC: Every topological space with mcp is compact; and MCP: For every infinite set \(X\), the Tychonoff product \(2^X\) has the minimal cover property. They also investigate the relationship between MCP and BPI (the Boolean prime ideal theorem). Here are some of their results: DC (dependent choice) implies that every countably compact metacompact space is compact. Every space with mcp is countably compact. ``Every infinite set has an infinite linearly orderable subset'' implies MCC.