Homotopy reflectivity is equivalent to the weak Vop\v{e}nka principle

Abstract

Homotopical localizations with respect to (possibly proper) classes of maps are known to exist assuming the validity of a large-cardinal axiom from set theory called Vop\v{e}nka's principle. In this article, we prove that each of the following statements is equivalent to an axiom of lower consistency strength than Vop\v{e}nka's principle, known as weak Vop\v{e}nka's principle: (a) Localization with respect to any class of maps exists in the homotopy category of simplicial sets; (b) Localization with respect to any class of maps exists in the homotopy category of spectra; (c) Localization with respect to any class of morphisms exists in any presentable $\infty$-category; (d) Every full subcategory closed under products and fibres in a triangulated category with locally presentable models is reflective. Our results are established using Wilson's 2020 solution to a long-standing open problem concerning the relative consistency of weak Vop\v{e}nka's principle within the large-cardinal hierarchy.