Finite, integral, and finite-dimensional relation algebras: a brief history

Relation were invented by Tarski and his collaborators in the middle of the twentieth century. The concept of integrality arose naturally early in the history of the subject, and so did various constructions of finite integral relation algebras. Later the concept of finite-dimensionality was introduced for classifying nonrepresentable relation algebras. This concept is closely connected to the number of variables used in proofs in first-order logic. I recount some results on these topics in chronological order.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2004
• Where: APAL
• Authors: Roger D. Maddux
• Keywords: APAL 2004, Integral Relation Algebras, Nonrepresentable Relation Algebras, Relation Algebras