Axiom of Pair and Axiom of Union?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between the axiom of pair and the axiom of union in set theory. The original poster seeks clarification on the roles of these axioms and how they relate to the existence of certain sets.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate between the axiom of pair and the axiom of union, questioning their distinct roles and implications. Participants explore the definitions and examples of sets formed by these axioms, particularly focusing on the differences between a set containing elements versus a set containing subsets.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in clarifying the distinctions between the axioms, with some confirming the original poster's understanding. There is a productive exchange regarding specific examples, although no explicit consensus has been reached on deeper implications or applications.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is self-studying set theory and is referencing specific textbooks, indicating a potential gap in foundational understanding that is being addressed through discussion.

A.MHF
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So I've been learning Set Theory by myself through Jech and Hrabeck textbook, and I'm having trouble understanding some axioms.

1. Homework Statement

What exactly is the difference between the axiom of pair and axiom of union?
From what I understood, the axiom of pair tells us that there is a set C whose elements are the elements of A and the elements of B. As for the axiom of union, what I understood is that it tells us that each member in a set is a set itself. (Please correct me if I'm wrong). However, I've seen proofs using axiom of union to prove that there is a set that exists which has the exact elements of both set A and set B. But if that's what the axiom is for, then what's the use of axiom of pair? Please help me understand the role of each of those axioms.

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


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Do you know the difference between ##\{A,B\}## and ##A\cup B##?
 
micromass said:
Do you know the difference between ##\{A,B\}## and ##A\cup B##?
The first one is a set whose elements are A and B. The second one is a set whose elements are the elements of the sets A and B.
Is that correct?
 
Right. The axiom of pair just says ##\{A,B\}## exists. The axiom of union says ##A\cup B## exists (well, more or less). So they're very different statements.
 
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micromass said:
Right. The axiom of pair just says ##\{A,B\}## exists. The axiom of union says ##A\cup B## exists (well, more or less). So they're very different statements.
I see. Just to be clear, is this right:
Let's say there is are sets A:{1,2,3} and B:{4,5,6}.
The axiom of pair would tell me that this set exists: {{123},{456}}. The axiom of union would tell me that this one exists: {1,2,3,4,5,6}.
 
Yes.
 

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