Transitivity for set of 2 elements

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter autodidude
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Elements Set
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the transitivity axiom in the context of a set with two elements, specifically S={0, 1}, where 0 is defined as less than 1. It concludes that transitivity cannot be demonstrated with only two elements, as the condition "if a < b and b < c then a < c" is never satisfied. The concept of "vacuously true" is clarified, indicating that the implication holds true when the premise is false, which applies here since there are insufficient elements to establish a transitive relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic set theory concepts
  • Familiarity with the transitivity axiom in mathematics
  • Knowledge of logical implications and truth values
  • Basic comprehension of vacuous truth in logic
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of transitivity in larger sets, such as S={0, 1, 2}
  • Explore the concept of vacuous truth in different mathematical contexts
  • Learn about order relations and their properties in set theory
  • Investigate logical implications and their applications in formal logic
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of mathematics, and anyone interested in foundational concepts of set theory and logic.

autodidude
Messages
332
Reaction score
0
If we have a set of two elements, say S={0. 1} and we defined 0 to be less than 1, would this obey the transitivity axiom? (If a<b and b<c then a<c? )

To me, it seems looks like you need at least 3 elements but I'm not entirely sure.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would say that it is vacuously true.
 
Thanks...could you please elaborate a bit on what 'vacuous' means in this context?

EDIT: Nevermind, I wiki'd it and think I understand it. Of course, any additional thoughts would be appreciated.
 
For others who might be wondering, the implication "if P then Q" is true whenever P is false, whether Q is true or not. That is what is meant by "vacuously true". In this particular problem, because there are only two elements, "a< b and b< c" is never true, therefore the conclusion, that "<" for this set is transitive, is "vacuously true".
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K