Higher Set Theory – Cantorian Sets / Large Cardinals in the Infinite

In summary, Zermelo-Fraenkel axioms - the Axiom of Choice (ZFC), is conceptually incoherent and steals Cantor's brilliant work.
  • #1
heff001
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Zermelo-Fraenkel Axioms - the Axiom of Choice (ZFC), is conceptually incoherent. To me, they stole Cantor’s brilliant work and minimized it. Replies?
 
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You might want to expand on your point. It is completely opaque as stated.
 
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  • #3
>Cantor's work and Platonism
Platonism about mathematics (or mathematical platonism) is the metaphysical view that there are abstract mathematical objects whose existence is independent of us and our language, thought, and practices. Just as electrons and planets exist independently of us, so do 'numbers and sets'.

>ZFC is a refutation of Platonist set theory in general
Set-theoretic intuition, as formalized in the Zermelo-Fraenkel axioms with the axiom of choice (ZFC), is conceptually incoherent.

Ref.
Truth, Proof and Infinity pp 13-23 | Peter Fletcher

Peter Fletcher lists the objections to the use of each below as a foundation for ZFC:

(1) sets as consistent multiplicities or multiplicities considered as unities
(2) sets as collections
(3) sets as classes, in the sense of extensionalized properties
(4) the limitation of size view
(5) the iterative conception of sets
(6) sets as an extrapolation from finite sets of physical objects
(7) sets obtained by a transition from potential to actual infinityIs Fletcher correct in doing so?

I am a student of Cantor right now and studying all he did between the nervous breakdowns...
I am totally puzzled by ZFC wording, purpose, the notion that Cantor's work can simply be captured in ZFC.
 
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Any reply?
 
  • #5
It looks to me like you are asking about something that's a matter of opinion, not mathematical proof. As far as mathematical proof goes, we already know that ZFC cannot be proven to be consistent, nor can it be proven to be inconsistent. Whether ZFC captures your "intuitions about sets" is not a matter of mathematical proof, since "intuitions" can't be formalized--if they could be, they wouldn't be intuitions.
 
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  • #6
Perfect. Brilliant. Thank You.
 

Related to Higher Set Theory – Cantorian Sets / Large Cardinals in the Infinite

1. What is higher set theory?

Higher set theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of sets and their properties, specifically those that are infinite or uncountable. It extends the basic concepts of set theory to larger and more complex sets, such as those involving infinite cardinal numbers.

2. What are Cantorian sets?

Cantorian sets, also known as Cantor sets, are a type of fractal set that was first described by the mathematician Georg Cantor. They are constructed by repeatedly removing the middle third of a line segment, creating a set that is uncountable and has a fractal-like structure.

3. What are large cardinals in the infinite?

Large cardinals are types of infinite cardinal numbers that are larger than the standard infinity (aleph-null). They are used in higher set theory to study the properties of very large sets and to explore the limits of what can be proven within the framework of set theory.

4. How are large cardinals related to Cantorian sets?

Large cardinals and Cantorian sets are both concepts that arise in higher set theory. Cantorian sets are used to construct large cardinals, and large cardinals are often used to prove the existence of certain types of Cantorian sets. They are both essential tools in the study of infinite sets and their properties.

5. Why is the study of higher set theory important?

The study of higher set theory is important because it allows us to understand and explore the properties of infinite sets, which have many applications in mathematics and other fields. It also helps us to better understand the limits of what can be proven within the framework of set theory and to develop new mathematical tools and techniques for dealing with infinite sets.

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