What would settle this question?
A deterministic polynomial-time algorithm for SAT establishes equality. Proving any language in NP is outside P establishes inequality. These are two possible answers to the same question.
Limit A restricted circuit lower bound, successful finite experiment or new hardness reduction does not meet either criterion.
Sources & review
Supporting statements
- Stephen Cook · The P versus NP problem ↗Definition 4, Proposition 1(c) and SAT NP-completeness discussion, pp. 4–5
- Stephen Cook · The P versus NP problem ↗Problem statement and discussion, pp. 2–3
Source-grounded explanation · independent explanation review: pending.