Does ZFC Imply the Power Set of Naturals?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that for every standard formulation T of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with the Axiom of Choice (ZFC), T indeed proves the existence of the power set of the natural numbers, denoted as P(N). The existence of the natural numbers is established through the inclusion of the Axiom of Infinity, alongside the Empty Set and Pairing axioms. Furthermore, while P(N) exists in all models of ZFC, the specific subsets contained within P(N) may vary across different models.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory (ZFC)
  • Familiarity with the Axiom of Infinity
  • Knowledge of the Empty Set and Pairing axioms
  • Concept of power sets in set theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the Axiom of Infinity in ZFC
  • Explore the concept of models in set theory and their variations
  • Study the properties of power sets and their applications
  • Examine the relationship between ZFC and alternative set theories
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Mathematicians, logicians, and students of set theory who are interested in the foundations of mathematics and the implications of ZFC axioms.

mpitluk
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Is it true that for every standard formulation T of ZFC, T ⊢ the power set of {naturals}?

After all, the empty set axiom and the pairing axiom are in T, and so we get N. Then by the power set axiom we get P(N).
 
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The existence of the empty set and the pairing axiom does not give us the existence of the natural numbers. Indeed: all natural numbers may exist that way, but perhaps they will not be contained in a set!
For the existence of a set of natural numbers, ZFC has included a special axioms that gives us that: the existence of an infinite set. Together with that, we can prove that the natural numbers exist. And by the power set axiom, also P(N) exists. So the answer to your question is yes.
 


So Infinity, Empty-Set and Pairing are jointly sufficient and individually necessary for P(N)?
 


mpitluk said:
So Infinity, Empty-Set and Pairing are jointly sufficient and individually necessary for P(N)?

And the power set axiom, of course.
 


Whoops. Right, thanks.
 


One thing to note here is that the power set P(\mathbb{N}) might not be the same in all models, some may contain only some of the subsets.

(indeed, it's also possible to create models where \mathbb{N} is different, but that's much less common)
 

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