Transfinite methods in metric fixed-point theory

Abstract

This is a brief survey of the use of transfinite induction in metric fixed-point theory. Among the results discussed in some detail is the author's 1989 result on directionally nonexpansive mappings (which is somewhat sharpened), a result of Kulesza and Lim giving conditions when countable compactness implies compactness, a recent inwardness result for contractions due to Lim, and a recent extension of Caristi's theorem due to Saliga and the author. In each instance, transfinite methods seem necessary.