[Math] proof of LEM implying DNE that doesn’t use $\bot\vdash\varphi$

natural-deductionproof-writing

Is there a proof not using $\bot\vdash\varphi$, proving that Law of The Excluded Middle implies Double Negation Elimination in natural deduction? The ones I've seen would use $\bot\vdash\varphi$ at some point.

Best Answer

Couple of thoughts:

First, any question like 'is there a proof ...' should always be couched relative to some proof system. i.e you should really ask 'Is there a proof system in which there exists a proof ...'

Second, when you ask for a proof that LEM implies DNE ... that's a little weird, since in classical logics DNE holds without making any further assumptions. That is, for all complete systems $S$ for classic propositional logic we have $\vdash_S \neg \neg \phi \rightarrow \phi$

EDIT: From the comments I understand you are looking for a proof that does not use LEM (nor $\bot \rightarrow \phi$ ... I'll refer to that rule as $\bot$ Elim) as one of its steps. OK, below is a proof done in Fitch, where $\neg$ Elim is defined as going from $\neg \neg \phi$ to $\phi$, so that doesn't use LEM or $\bot$ Elim:

enter image description here

Finaly, if you're looking for a system where you do have to derive $\neg \neg \phi \rightarrow \phi$, but that still does not use LEM or $\bot$ Elim, I point you the Hilbert system, which does not have LEM or $\bot$ Elim as its rules, but you can prove $\neg \neg \phi \rightarrow \phi$ in that system nevertheless.