Reference request - Measure theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on measure theory, with a focus on resources that can aid in understanding ergodic theory and probability theory. Participants share various titles and their relevance to applied aspects of the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant finds Terence Tao's online book a good starting point but seeks something even more introductory.
  • Another participant recommends "Lebesgue Integration on Euclidean Space" by Frank Jones, specifically mentioning Chapters 2-5 as relevant.
  • A different participant suggests "Chaos, Fractals, and Noise: Stochastic Aspects of Dynamics" by A. Lasota and M.C. Mackey, noting its focus on applied stochastic aspects of deterministic dynamical systems, despite not being solely about measure theory.
  • Further recommendations include "A User-Friendly Introduction to Lebesgue Measure and Integration" by Gail S. Nelson and "The Lebesgue Integral for Undergraduates" by William Johnston, with the latter focusing more on the Lebesgue integral than measure theory itself.
  • Participants express positive sentiments about the clarity and motivation provided in the recommended texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of the recommended books, but there is no consensus on a single best introductory text, as multiple suggestions are offered.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations focus more on specific aspects of measure theory, such as the Lebesgue integral, rather than a comprehensive introduction to the entire field. The discussion does not resolve which book is the most suitable for beginners.

Joppy
MHB
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Hi!

Can anyone recommend a good introductory book for measure theory? I've found Terence Tao's online book to be a good start, but would I be asking too much if I wanted something even more introductory?

Ultimately I'm working toward Ergodic theory (and probability theory along the way) with an applied focus if that helps.

Thanks.
 
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Joppy said:
Hi!

Can anyone recommend a good introductory book for measure theory? I've found Terence Tao's online book to be a good start, but would I be asking too much if I wanted something even more introductory?

Ultimately I'm working toward Ergodic theory (and probability theory along the way) with an applied focus if that helps.

Thanks.
You may find Chapters 2-5 of the following book relevant and helpful ...

"Lebesgue Integration on Euclidean Space" by Frank Jones (Revised Edition) Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2001

Peter
 
Peter said:
You may find Chapters 2-5 of the following book relevant and helpful ...

"Lebesgue Integration on Euclidean Space" by Frank Jones (Revised Edition) Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2001

Peter

Thanks Peter! Having a look now.
 
Joppy said:
Ultimately I'm working toward Ergodic theory (and probability theory along the way) with an applied focus if that helps.

A somewhat unusual book recommended to me once by one of my bosses is Chaos, Fractals, and Noise: Stochastic Aspects of Dynamics by A. Lasota and M.C. Mackey. I am usually a bit allergic for terms such as "chaos" and "fractals", but in this case they should not be deterrents.

The book is not about measure theory itself, but rather it develops those aspects of measure theory that are needed to understand the more "applied" stochastic aspects of various classes of deterministic dynamical systems. It does so in a rigorous but very accessible way, assuming just a good foundation in multivariable calculus. I enjoyed it a lot.
 
Krylov said:
I am usually a bit allergic for terms such as "chaos" and "fractals", but in this case they should not be deterrents.

That's the good stuff isn't it! :p.
Krylov said:
The book is not about measure theory itself, but rather it develops those aspects of measure theory that are needed to understand the more "applied" stochastic aspects of various classes of deterministic dynamical systems. It does so in a rigorous but very accessible way, assuming just a good foundation in multivariable calculus. I enjoyed it a lot.

Sounds great, just the sort of thing I was thinking of.
 
Peter said:
You may find Chapters 2-5 of the following book relevant and helpful ...

"Lebesgue Integration on Euclidean Space" by Frank Jones (Revised Edition) Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2001

Peter

Honestly I think this is the first mathematical text I've read were I feel as though the author really makes an attempt to explain the reasoning and motivation. Thanks again.
 
Joppy said:
Honestly I think this is the first mathematical text I've read were I feel as though the author really makes an attempt to explain the reasoning and motivation. Thanks again.
Joppy,

I have just come across another possibility for you ...

"A User-Friendly Introduction to Lebesgue Measure and Integration" by Gail S. Nelson (AMS 2015)
Yet another book, but more on the Lebesgue integral than Lebesgue measure (although chapter 4 is on measure theory) is the following:

"The Lebesgue Integral for Undergraduates" by William Johnston (MAA Press, 2015)Hope that helps in some way ...

Peter
 
Peter said:
Joppy,

I have just come across another possibility for you ...

"A User-Friendly Introduction to Lebesgue Measure and Integration" by Gail S. Nelson (AMS 2015)
Yet another book, but more on the Lebesgue integral than Lebesgue measure (although chapter 4 is on measure theory) is the following:

"The Lebesgue Integral for Undergraduates" by William Johnston (MAA Press, 2015)Hope that helps in some way ...

Peter

Great! Thanks a lot.
 

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