Upward Translation of Optimal and P-Optimal Proof Systems in the Boolean Hierarchy over NP

Abstract: We study the existence of optimal and p-optimal proof systems for classes in the Boolean hierarchy over $\mathrm{NP}$. Our main results concern $\mathrm{DP}$, i.e., the second level of this hierarchy: If all sets in $\mathrm{DP}$ have p-optimal proof systems, then all sets in $\mathrm{coDP}$ have p-optimal proof systems. The analogous implication for optimal proof systems fails relative to an oracle. As a consequence, we clarify such implications for all classes $\mathcal{C}$ and $\mathcal{D}$ in the Boolean hierarchy over $\mathrm{NP}$: either we can prove the implication or show that it fails relative to an oracle. Furthermore, we show that the sets $\mathrm{SAT}$ and $\mathrm{TAUT}$ have p-optimal proof systems, if and only if all sets in the Boolean hierarchy over $\mathrm{NP}$ have p-optimal proof systems which is a new characterization of a conjecture studied by Pudl\'ak.