Solution of the Robbins Problem

The Problem

• Is every Robbins algebra Boolean? [Win90]
• Posed by Herbert Robbins and Edward Huntington and
• Basically, can Robbins' axiom replace Huntington's axiom
• Unsolved despite efforts of Alfred Tarski

The Solution

• Every Robbins algebra is Booean!
• Solved by Bill McCune using EQP in 1996
• Builds on work by Steve Winker