What Constitutes an Algebraic Structure in Set Theory?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "algebraic structure" in set theory, exploring its definitions, implications, and connections to set theory, particularly within the context of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with the Axiom of Choice (ZFC). Participants seek to understand how algebraic structures are defined, their origins, and relevant literature on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant provides a formal definition of algebraic structures, detailing the components involved, such as sets, operations, and relations.
  • The same participant expresses difficulty in finding resources that explain the concept of "structured set" in relation to set theory.
  • They inquire about book recommendations that discuss structures on sets within ZFC theory.
  • Another participant suggests keywords "Universal Algebra" and "Model Theory" as relevant areas of exploration.
  • Additional references are provided, including a link to an introduction to algebraic structures and another source that treats the topic from a fundamental perspective, though noted as advanced.
  • A later reply expresses satisfaction with the recommended resources, indicating they align with their expectations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the best resources or definitions, and multiple viewpoints regarding the understanding and exploration of algebraic structures remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the challenge of finding accessible explanations and resources related to the concept of algebraic structures in set theory, indicating a potential gap in available literature or terminology.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and researchers interested in the foundations of algebraic structures, set theory, and those seeking literature on these topics within the framework of ZFC theory.

sponsoredwalk
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I just found out that the words "algebraic structure" have a precise definition and that this
notion is not just common language!

DEFINITION: An algebraic structure consists of one or
more sets closed under one or more operations, satisfying
some axioms
http://www-public.it-sudparis.eu/~gibson/Teaching/MAT7003/L5-AlgebraicStructures.pdf

In abstract algebra, an algebraic structure consists of one or more sets, called underlying sets
or carriers or sorts, closed under one or more operations, satisfying some axioms.
link

An Algebraic Structure is defined by the tuple <A, o_1, ...,o_k;R_1,...,R_m;c_1,...,c_k>
where;
A is a non-empty set,
o_i is a function A^{pi} \ : \ A \ \rightarrow \ A

R_j is a relation on A

p_i is a positive integer

c_i is an element of A

link (Ch. 2)

Then below this definition they give another (equivalent) definition:

An algebraic structure is a triple <A,O,C> where:

A ≠ ∅

O \ = \ U^n_{i = 1} \ o_i where o_i are i-ary operations

C ⊆ A is the constant set.

So based on this I have three questions:

1: How is this concept explained in terms of set theory?

I am thinking that it follows from the idea of a "structured set".
Unfortunately, I can find basically nothing on this concept from browsing online.
The only sources I have found are the one in the last link, page 23 of Vaught Set Theory
which is extremely short & also Bourbaki's Set Theory book - but it's buried after 250+
pages of prerequisite theory. There may just be a different name for this concept, idk...

2: Could you recommend any sources (book recommendations)
discussing Structures on Sets as they arise in ZFC theory?


If there's a book that describes how structures on sets fall out of ZFC theory in a
book describing ZFC that would be optimal, for all I know every book does this just
under a different name.

3: Could you recommend any sources explaining Algebraic Structures in terms of sets?

I started a different thread a while ago trying to ground a vector space in terms of
set theory making everything very explicit, the answer I got was structured to follow
patterns that I now recognise as coming out of this idea of algebraic structures &
basically I'd just like to read how this concept is defined and originates from set theory
with all the prerequisite set theory knowledge that goes with it being built up too.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Two good keywords:
  • Universal Algebra
  • Model Theory
 
micromass said:
2) http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~vddries/410notes/main.dvi treats algebraic structures from a more fundamental point-of-view. This is probably what you want, but it's quite advanced. The theory you want is in section 2.3...

Exactly what I was hoping for! Cheers/Ty/Slainte/Salute/Nostrovia! :biggrin:
 

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