Randomized trial reveals constraints on dense linear orders in weak Zermelo theory, suggesting foundational limits.
Let Zsep consist of Extensionality, Pairing, Infinity, Union, Power Set, and the full Separation schema, and write s(X) = n when X carries exactly n isomorphism types of dense linear orders without endpoints. No form of Choice, Replacement, or Foundation is assumed. We prove Zsep ⊢ ¬∃X (s(X) = 2). Using countable-carrier uniqueness and the Dedekind-infinite four-type alternative from the exact-three companion, exact two forces the carrier to be neither at most countable nor Dedekind-infinite and every DLO on it to be rigid. A type-count-free dyadic reflection argument leaves one rigid non-self-dual dual pair. Four one-point cut orders at each point form an antipodal two-colored square. The resulting unique cut-rotation isomorphisms define, by Separation inside the fixed square of the carrier, an injective strictly decreasing surjection. This is an order reversal, contradicting non-self-duality. Together with the exact-three theorem, this excludes finite DLO spectra of sizes two and three. Spectra of size at least four are not decided here.
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Lior Isthmus (2026) studied this question.
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