Anyone have read Naive Set Theory by Halmos?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of the book "Naive Set Theory" by Halmos for a physics major. Participants explore whether the book is beneficial for understanding advanced mathematics, particularly in relation to physics studies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that the book aims to introduce beginning students of advanced mathematics to basic notions of set theory, suggesting it may be useful for those intending to study math at the graduate level.
  • Another participant argues that while the book is valuable for math students, it may not be useful for physics students unless they specifically want to learn set theory.
  • A different viewpoint expresses skepticism about the utility of set theory for physics, stating that most mathematicians also do not require it, despite acknowledging its beauty.
  • One participant indicates that they are reconsidering the purchase of the book based on the feedback received, as they are currently focused on reviewing previously learned mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the usefulness of "Naive Set Theory" for physics majors, with some believing it is not relevant while others see potential benefits for understanding advanced mathematics.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of familiarity with set theory and its applications in mathematics and physics, leading to differing assessments of the book's relevance.

Ashuron
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Hi,

I just found cheap Naive Set Theory by Halmos.
I am wondering if it is worth buying.

I have read somewhere it helps reading more advanced books.
Plus it's small, it's easy to carry around. I do not like to bring heavy bag to the library.

I am a Physics major.
I have taken Calc 1-3 and Linear Algebra.
I do not specifically want to learn Set Theory.
Just want to read it to help my understanding on mathematics.

I just need some input here.
Anyone with experience or expertise feel free to comment.
 
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I have the book and read it. To paraphrase the Preface, the purpose of the book is to introduce beginning students of advanced mathematics to the basic notions of set theory. Halmos mentions groups, integrals and manifolds as the sort of advanced math he has in mind. The style of the book is terse. Halmos expects the reader to fill in the details of his arguments.

I think that this book would be useful for someone who intends to study math at the graduate level. Whether a physics major would find it useful, I don't know.
 
OK
thx a lot..
 
I don't recommend this book to a physicist. It's a very good book, and it's very useful to math students. However, physics students will find this book useless. Except if you want to study set theory of course,...
 
Thx a lot micromass

Nope, i do not specifically want to learn set theory..
I just think to read more advanced math text, some set theory perhaps will be useful..
 
Hmm, for the maths you need for physics, I don't think set theory will be of much use. In fact, I think most mathematicians have no need for set theory. And it's certainly not useful in physics.

However, set theory is a very beautiful subject. (my opinion). But don't expect many applications from it, not even in mathematics itself...
 
That has pretty much convinced me not to buy the book..
Good thing actually, I am trying to review math I have learned so far..
So I do not have much time
 

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