Reading materials for mathematical logic - MathOverflow

Reading materials for mathematical logic

2010-07-23T14:28:07Z

Hi everyone, the summer break is coming and I am thinking of reading something about mathematical logic. Could anyone please give me some reading materials on this subject?

Answer by Unknown for Reading materials for mathematical logic

2010-07-23T14:40:30Z

Set Theory and Logic Robert R. Stoll .

This was our text in some course. See inside. And check your library and/ask the course instructors or try to find any senior students' course outline or better yet check good univ's websites on such a course.

Answer by Noldorin for Reading materials for mathematical logic

2010-07-23T15:41:18Z

If you're a beginner to mathematical logic, as you seem to imply, I would strongly recommend you start off by getting acquainted with classical propositional and predicate logic. There is a very useful online set of aritlces on the subject, with interactive exercises. The sections relevant to mathematical logic would be:

Logic
Predicate Logic
Set Theory
Recursion

Answer by Michael A Warren for Reading materials for mathematical logic

2010-07-23T15:42:06Z

Here are a few suggestions (which depending on your background may be more or less useful):

Logic and Structure by Dirk van Dalen. I have used this as a textbook when teaching mathematical logic and for that purpose it is decent. Some people find it a bit dry, but at least it covers a large amount of material in a reasonably clear manner.
Mathematical Logic by Joseph R. Shoenfield. This book is, I think, regarded by many logicians as being the gold standard text on the subject.
A Course in Mathematical Logic by John Bell and Moshe Machover. This is my personal favorite textbook in mathematical logic. (Unfortunately, it's a North Holland book and so is a bit less affordable.)
A Course in Mathematical Logic for Mathematicians by Yuri I. Manin (with contributions from Boris Zilber). I think that pretty much anything written by Manin is worth taking seriously and this book is no exception.
Notes on Logic and Set Theory by Peter T. Johnstone. This is a delightful little (literally) book on logic which is highly recommended (perhaps in conjunction with one of the other larger books from this list).
The Mathematics of Metamathematics by Helena Rasiowa and Roman Sikorski. This is a nice book which gives a lattice theoretic development of mathematical logic. (Difficult to find, but worth a look if your library has a copy.)
Introduction to Metamathematics by Stephen C. Kleene. A classic text in mathematical logic which is still a rewarding read.

I hope these (admittedly biased) suggestions are some use!

Answer by Koundinya Vajjha for Reading materials for mathematical logic

2010-07-23T15:53:12Z

This book is a general textbook on Logic, so it's not for beginners, but anyway, the text is called "Mathematical Logic" by Yu.Ershov and E.A. Palyutin. Sorry I couldn't find a relevant link anywhere. Maybe it's available in some library somewhere?

Answer by Andrew L for Reading materials for mathematical logic

2010-07-23T16:27:12Z

I'm surprised my favorite introduction to mathematical logic hasn't been mentioned by anyone. It's Robert S.Wolf's A Tour Through Mathematical Logic. Wolf has written a book that is extremely compelling to read. His passion for the subject comes through in every sentence. It reads like a novel on mathematial logic and set theory, complete with detailed historical notes, philosophical insights and lots of problems. The book is practically a meditation on the answer to any frustrated student of logic's question,"Why is this important?" I wholeheartedly recommend it as your starting point before you look at any of the more-depth treatments recommended below. As a follow up, I recommend the classic introduction by my old teacher, Elliott Mendelson, An Introduction To Mathematical Logic, a deep and masterfully written introduction for graduate students. Those would be my recommendations.

Answer by Bman for Reading materials for mathematical logic

2010-07-23T18:40:23Z

Joe Mileti wrote a really nice set of course notes on mathematical logic (approx 20 weeks of lectures). It's a draft for a book titled, I think, "Mathematical Logic for Mathematicians." The course notes are beautifully written (and beautifully delivered, if you've had the chance to see him lecture). He's a very nice guy, and I would suggest contacting him about it.

My memory is a bit hazy about the topics he covered, but we discussed propositional and first order logic, nonstandard analysis, and axiomatic set theory. I also remember that some highlights included connections to graph theory and algebra (I guess this sort of touches upon his research themes).