Defining Aleph-One: The Elusive Cardinal Number

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SUMMARY

Aleph-one (ℵ₁) is defined as the next largest cardinal number after aleph-zero (ℵ₀), which represents the cardinality of the integers. The definition of aleph-one varies depending on the set theory framework employed. Under the Continuum Hypothesis (CH), aleph-one is equivalent to the cardinality of the real numbers. However, in some models of set theory, there may exist infinitely many cardinal numbers between aleph-zero and the cardinality of the continuum (c, or 2^ℵ₀).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cardinal numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with ordinal numbers and their definitions
  • Knowledge of the Continuum Hypothesis (CH)
  • Basic concepts of set theory as presented in texts like Kaplansky's
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Continuum Hypothesis in set theory
  • Explore the differences between cardinal and ordinal numbers
  • Investigate models of set theory that allow for multiple cardinals between ℵ₀ and c
  • Read Kaplansky's set theory book for a deeper understanding of ordinal definitions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of set theory, and anyone interested in the foundations of mathematics and cardinality concepts.

ehrenfest
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Homework Statement


aleph-0 is defined as the cardinality as the integers right?

How is aleph-one defined? Is the only definition as the next largest cardinal number after aleph-1?

Annoyingly, my set theory book (kaplansky) doesn't seem to define it anywhere. Also the wikipedia article just confused me more.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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How much do you know about ordinal numbers?
 


I see now. The problem was that Kaplansky uses alpha-two on page 47 but defines ordinal numbers on page 57.
 


Surely one of the real problems with defining aleph-1 is that what it is depends on what set theory you use. If you accept CH, then it is the cardinality of the real numbers. But it need not be. I have this idea that there may be infinitely many cardinals between aleph-0 and c (cardinality of the continuum, or 2^aleph-0) in some models, but it is just a feeling.
 

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