SUMMARY
Every cardinal has a following cardinal, defined as the minimal cardinal that is strictly larger. This conclusion is based on the definition of cardinals as a special type of ordinals. The process works because any initial segment of the class of ordinals is a set, and ordinals are well-ordered. If the axiom of choice is not assumed, the term "well-ordered cardinal" must be used instead of "cardinal".
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of cardinal and ordinal numbers in set theory
- Familiarity with the axiom of choice in mathematics
- Knowledge of well-ordered sets and their properties
- Basic concepts of mathematical logic and proofs
NEXT STEPS
- Study the implications of the axiom of choice on cardinality
- Explore the properties of well-ordered cardinals
- Research the relationship between cardinals and ordinals in set theory
- Examine the concept of initial segments in well-ordered sets
USEFUL FOR
Mathematicians, logicians, and students studying set theory, particularly those interested in the properties of cardinals and ordinals.