Some algebraic theory for many-valued relation algebras (Q873744)

Relation algebras were introduced in 1948 by Jónsson and Tarski as models of binary relations. Their applications range from the most abstract areas of mathematics to programming languages. A standard example of a relation algebra \(R\) is given by the totality of binary relations over a set \(X\) equipped with Boolean operations, together with composition, converse and diagonal. A many-valued generalization of \(R\) is obtained by considering all \([0,1]\)-valued functions over the Cartesian product \(X\times X\), endowed with the appropriate MV-algebraic operations. The resulting ``MV-relation algebras'' are studied in this paper. Basic examples are introduced, a special class of ``ideal'' elements is used to prove many results about congruences. The MV-algebra of ideal elements is used to characterize special classes of MV-relation algebras. Generalizing previous work by El Bachraoui and Van de Vel, the author proves that MV-relation algebras form an elementary class.