Question about the axioms of set theory

In summary, for each structure, a directed graph is drawn to represent the membership relation. The structure satisfies the Extensionality, Pairing, and Union axioms, but fails the Foundation axiom. This can be shown by the directed graph having an arrow from a to b and then an arrow from b to a, thus violating the Foundation axiom. However, the structure satisfies the Extensionality axiom as a is a member of b and vice versa. Furthermore, it also satisfies the Pairing and Union axioms, as the set {a} is a subset of the structure and the union of all elements in the structure is the set {a,b}.
  • #1
cragar
2,552
3

Homework Statement


For each structure, draw a directed graph representing the membership relation. Then determine which of the following axioms is satisfied by the structure: Extensionality, Foundation, Pairing, Union
U= {a,b} a in b , and b in a

The Attempt at a Solution


The directed graph would be an arrow from a to b and then an arrow from b to a.
This fails foundation because a can't be in b and b can't be in a.
It satisfies Extensionality because a is a member of b and vice versa.
it satisfies pairing and union

[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I agree with your conclusions, but your justification of them is very terse and doesn't make it clear how the axioms that fail do so. Hence it may not get full marks from the lecturer. I would suggest writing out the justifications more fully, in symbolic form rather than prose. In particular, justifying that Pairing is not violated takes several steps, as you need to show that the set {a} is part of the structure.
 

1. What are the axioms of set theory?

The axioms of set theory are a set of fundamental principles that serve as the foundation of mathematical set theory. These axioms define what a set is, how sets can be created and manipulated, and how they relate to one another.

2. How many axioms are there in set theory?

There are several different formulations of the axioms of set theory, but the most commonly used one is the Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory, which has 9 axioms.

3. Why are axioms important in set theory?

Axioms are important because they provide a clear and consistent set of rules for creating and manipulating sets. They allow us to reason logically about sets and ensure that our mathematical arguments are valid.

4. Can axioms in set theory be proven?

No, axioms in set theory cannot be proven. They are taken as assumptions or starting points that cannot be deduced from any other set of axioms. Any proof in set theory must be based on these axioms.

5. Are there any controversies or debates surrounding the axioms of set theory?

Yes, there have been several controversies and debates surrounding the axioms of set theory, particularly in the area of infinity and the existence of certain types of sets. These debates have led to the development of alternative formulations of the axioms, such as the Axiom of Constructibility and the Axiom of Determinacy.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
11
Views
511
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
14
Views
4K
Back
Top