Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom and Russell's paradox

In summary, the ZFC solution to Russell's paradox states that the paradox disappears because there must be some set S such that {x|x\notinx} is {x|x\notinx}\capS. However, in Morse-Kelley, the Class Comprehension Axiom schema allows for a proper class M to satisfy {x|x\notinx}\capM, which makes it a less limiting solution compared to ZFC. This means that MK solves Russell's paradox in a different way, as the axiom schema only applies to sets and not classes. Therefore, there is no class of all classes that do not contain themselves, preventing the occurrence of the paradox.
  • #1
nomadreid
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As I understand the ZFC solution to Russell's paradox, since {x|x[itex]\notin[/itex]x} must be {x|x[itex]\notin[/itex]x}[itex]\cap[/itex]S for some set S, the paradox goes away, but in Morse-Kelley, if I understand Class Comprehension correctly, although again there must be some M such that {x|x[itex]\notin[/itex]x}[itex]\cap[/itex]M, this M may be a proper class, which no longer is as limiting as the ZFC version, and hence no longer gives the same solution. So either I am going wrong somewhere, or MK solves Russell's Paradox in a different way. I would be grateful for enlightenment. Thanks.
 
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The Class comprehension Axiom schema states that for any formula phi (with one free variable), there exists a class of all sets satisfying phi. It does not say that there exists a class of all classes satisfying phi. So there's a (proper) class of all sets which do not contain themselves, but there's no class of all classes which do not contain themselves. So Russell's paradox doesn't occur.
 
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1. What is the Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom?

The Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom is a logical axiom in the mathematical theory of sets that allows for the existence of classes as well as sets. It states that for any formula F(x), there exists a class of all sets x that satisfy F(x).

2. How does the Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom relate to Russell's paradox?

Russell's paradox is a famous paradox in set theory that arises when considering the set of all sets that do not contain themselves. The Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom was developed in response to this paradox, as it allows for the existence of classes, including the "class of all sets that do not contain themselves" without leading to a contradiction.

3. Why is Russell's paradox considered a problem for naive set theory?

Russell's paradox is considered a problem for naive set theory because it shows that the assumption that any collection of objects can form a set leads to a contradiction. This led to the development of more rigorous axiomatic set theories, such as Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory and its extensions like the Morse-Kelley set theory.

4. How does the Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom differ from the axiom of specification?

The Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom is a stronger version of the axiom of specification. While the axiom of specification only allows for the creation of sets, the Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom also allows for the creation of classes. Additionally, the axiom of specification has restrictions on the formulas that can be used, while the Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom does not have such restrictions.

5. Is the Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom accepted in modern set theory?

Yes, the Morse-Kelley Class Comprehension axiom is accepted in modern set theory, particularly in the Morse-Kelley set theory and its extensions. It is considered a more powerful alternative to the axiom of specification and is used in many mathematical proofs and constructions.

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