Proof of Hartog's Theorem: Axiom of Replacement Applied

  • Thread starter mathshelp
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Theorem
In summary, in the proof of Hartog's theorem, the Axiom of Replacement is used in constructing a first-order formula that expresses the isomorphism of each (Y,<), where Y is a subset of X and "<" is a well-order in Y, to an ordinal. This allows for a step-by-step explanation of how the Axiom of Replacement is utilized in the proof, which is a key step in sidestepping the need for the Axiom of Choice.
  • #1
mathshelp
12
0
Write out the proof of Hartog's Theorem again carefully highlighting how the Axiom of Replacement is used

How can you highlight the axiom of replacment?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
In the proof of Hartog's theorem, you reach a point where you just proved that the class of all well-orders of the set X (using the separation axiom schema). Now you have to prove that each the class of all order-types (isomorphic ordinals) of each of these well-orders is also a set, and it's here that you use replacement, by constructing a first-order formula that expresses the isomorphism of each (Y,<), where Y is a subset of X and "<" is a well-order in Y, to an ordinal.
This is the key step in Hartog's proof, the one that allows him to sidestep AC, so I think the "highlighting" is a careful, step-by-step explanation of how the replacement schema is used.
 
  • #3
That makes sense, but how do you construct a first order formula?
 
  • #4
I assume that, if you're studying formal Set Theory, that you are familiar with first-order logic (otherwise, it's impossible to understand anything of Set Theory).
 

1. What is Hartog's Theorem?

Hartog's Theorem is a result in set theory that states that every set can be well-ordered. Put simply, this means that any set can be arranged in a specific order that follows certain rules.

2. What is the Axiom of Replacement?

The Axiom of Replacement is one of the axioms of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory, which is a commonly used foundation for mathematics. It states that if a function maps a set to another set, then the image of that set is also a set.

3. How is the Axiom of Replacement applied in Hartog's Theorem?

In Hartog's Theorem, the Axiom of Replacement is used to construct a well-ordered set from any given set. This is done by defining a function that maps each element of the set to a unique ordinal number, which then allows the set to be well-ordered.

4. Why is Hartog's Theorem important?

Hartog's Theorem is important because it provides a way to well-order any set, which is a fundamental concept in mathematics. It also has applications in other areas of mathematics, such as topology and algebra.

5. Are there any limitations to Hartog's Theorem?

Yes, there are some limitations to Hartog's Theorem. It only applies to sets that can be well-ordered, which means that it cannot be used for infinite sets that cannot be well-ordered. Additionally, it relies on the Axiom of Replacement, which is controversial in some areas of mathematics.

Similar threads

  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
4
Views
551
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
9
Views
409
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
11
Views
498
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
72
Views
4K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top