Semi-abelian by Design: Johnstone Algebras Unifying Implication and Division

Abstract: Johnstone demonstrated that Heyting semilattices form a semi-abelian category via a specific triple of terms. Inspired by this work, we introduce \emph{Johnstone algebras} or J-algebras. The algebraic $(*,\to,e)$-theory $J$ of arities $(2,2,0)$ consists of three axioms carefully chosen to ensure protomodularity in alignment with Johnstone's terms. Johnstone algebras generalize well-known structures such as groups (division) and Heyting semilattices (implication) providing a unified framework within the well-behaved setting of semi-abelian categories. We present two primary contributions. First, we identify the M-axiom, [ (t(x,y)\to x)\to (t(x,y)\to z) \approx x\to z, \text{ where }t(x,y) = (x\to y)\to y. ] The M-axiom is satisfied by residuated Johnstone algebras, and it can be considered a weakening of the H-axiom to comparable elements. We show that $t(x,y)$ defines a \emph{relative closure term} in MBC-algebras, and it implies that MBC-algebras form a variety of algebras, thereby generalizing the corresponding theorem related to HBCK-algebras. Second, we prove several no-go results, demonstrating that balanced theories or theories admitting non-discrete monotone or inflationary algebras cannot possess Malcev terms. Together, these results establish Johnstone algebras as significant structures that achieve desirable categorical properties by carefully integrating both logical and symmetric features, while closely avoiding the constraints imposed by our no-go results.