All Questions
Tagged with descriptive-set-theory gn.general-topology
193 questions
92
votes
3
answers
14k
views
Is every sigma-algebra the Borel algebra of a topology?
This question arises from the excellent question posed on math.SE
by Salvo Tringali, namely, Correspondence
between Borel algebras and topology.
Since the question was not answered there after some ...
- 236k
27
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Closed balls vs closure of open balls
We work in a separable metric space $(X,d)$. With $\overline{B}(x,r)$ I denote the closed ball around $x$ of radius $r$, and with $cl \ B(x,r)$ I denote the closure of the open ball. Clearly, we ...
- 4,717
25
votes
3
answers
2k
views
A rare property of Hausdorff spaces
Is there a Hausdorff topological space $X$ such that for any continuous map $f: X\longrightarrow \mathbb{R}$ and any $x\in \mathbb{R}$, the set $f^{-1}(x)$ is either empty or infinite?
- 271
22
votes
1
answer
754
views
Undetermined Banach-Mazur games in ZF?
This question was previously asked and bountied on MSE, with no response. This MO question is related, but is also unanswered and the comments do not appear to address this question.
Given a ...
- 21.2k
19
votes
1
answer
556
views
Can an injective $f: \Bbb{R}^m \to \Bbb{R}^n$ have a closed graph for $m>n$?
Question. Suppose $m>n$ are positive integers. Is there a one-to-one $f: \Bbb{R}^m \to \Bbb{R}^n$ such that the graph $\Gamma_f$ of $f$ is closed in $\Bbb{R}^{m+n}$?
Remark 1. The answer to the ...
- 17.7k
19
votes
1
answer
465
views
Large Borel antichains in the Cantor cube?
Let $2^\omega$ be the Cantor cube $\{0,1\}^\omega$, endowed with the standard compact metrizable topology and the standard product measure, called the Haar measure. The Cantor cube is considered as a ...
- 41.8k
17
votes
6
answers
2k
views
The reals as continuous image of the irrationals
In the Wikipedia article about descriptive set theory I read that $\mathbb{R}$ (with its usual topology) is a Polish space, and that every Polish space
1) can be obtained as a continuous image of ...
- 23.3k
17
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Homeomorphisms and "mod finite"
Suppose $f:C\to C$ is a homeomorphism, where $C=\{0,1\}^{\mathbb N}$ is Cantor space.
Suppose $f$ preserves $=^*$ (equality on all but finitely many coordinates). Does it follow that $f$ also reflects ...
- 24.8k
17
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Topological proof that a Vitali set is not Borel
This question is purely out of curiosity, and well outside my field — apologies if there is a trivial answer. Recall that a Vitali set is a subset $V$ of $[0,1]$ such that the restriction to $V$ of ...
- 38k
17
votes
1
answer
794
views
Is there a continuous function $f:\mathbb R^\omega\to\mathbb R$ with injective restriction $f|\mathbb Q^\omega$?
Question. Is there a continuous function $f:\mathbb R^\omega\to\mathbb R$ whose restriction $f|\mathbb Q^\omega$ is injective?
- 41.8k
17
votes
1
answer
569
views
Does a completely metrizable space admit a compatible metric where all intersections of nested closed balls are non-empty?
(cross-posted from this math.SE question)
It is well-known that given a metric space $(X,d)$, the metric is complete if and only if every intersection of nested (i.e. decreasing with respect to ...
- 775
16
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Continuity on a measure one set versus measure one set of points of continuity
In short: If $f$ is continuous on a measure one set, is there a function $g=f$ a.e. such that a.e. point is a point of continuity of $g$?
Now more carefully, with some notation: Suppose $(X, d_X)$ ...
- 2,221
15
votes
4
answers
734
views
Continuously selecting elements from unordered pairs
The symmetric square of a topological space $X$ is obtained from the usual square $X^2$ by identifying pairs of symmetric points $(x_1,x_2)$ and $(x_2,x_1)$. Thus, elements of the symmetric square can ...
- 44.4k
15
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Generalizations of the Tietze extension theorem (and Lusin's theorem)
I am reasking a year-old math.stackexchange.com question asked by someone else.
(For my needs every space $X$ and $Y$ will be Polish---that is a completely separably metrizable space.)
The Tietze ...
- 6,287
15
votes
1
answer
673
views
Question about product topology
Suppose $S\subset\mathbb{R}$ is dense without interior point, and for every open interval $I,J\subset\mathbb{R}$, $I\cap S$ is homeomorphic to $J\cap S$.
Is $S\times S$ homeomorphic to $S$?
By Luzin ...
- 153
15
votes
0
answers
409
views
Is there a continuous map $f:\mathbb R^\omega\to\mathbb R^\omega$ with dense countable preimage $f^{-1}(\mathbb Q^\omega)$?
Let $\mathbb Q^\omega_0:=\{(x_i)_{i\in\omega}\in\mathbb Q^\omega:\exists n\in\omega\;\forall m\ge n\;\;x_m=0\}$ and observe that $\mathbb Q^\omega_0$ is a countable dense set in $\mathbb R^\omega$ (...
- 41.8k
14
votes
2
answers
413
views
Given a sequence of reals, we can find a dense sequence avoiding it, but can we find one continuously?
Let $S$ be the set of injective sequences in $\mathbb{R}$:
$$S = \{s: \mathbb{N} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}: s(m) \neq s(n) \text{ if }m \neq n\}.$$
Consider $S$ with the topology of pointwise convergence,...
user44143
14
votes
0
answers
427
views
Which functions have all the common $\forall\exists$-properties of continuous functions?
This is an attempt at partial progress towards this question. Meanwhile, Sam Sanders pointed out that my original term was already in use, as were a couple other back-up terms, so ... oh well.
For a ...
- 21.2k
13
votes
3
answers
820
views
Is there a Borel subset of $ \mathbb{R}^{2} $, with finite vertical cross-sections, whose projection onto the first component is non-Borel?
This question is related to another one that I asked two days ago.
Question. Does there exist a Borel subset $ M $ of $ \mathbb{R}^{2} $ with
the following two properties?
The ...
- 1,396
13
votes
1
answer
519
views
When can I "draw" a topology in Baire space?
The motivation for this question is a bit convoluted, so in the interests of conciseness I'm just asking it as a curiosity (and I do find it interesting on its own); if anyone is interested, feel free ...
- 21.2k
13
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Is every $\sigma$-algebra of sets *abstractly* the Borel algebra of a topology on perhaps some other set?
Is every sigma-algebra the Borel algebra of a topology?
inspires the present question which asks for less.
Question: Given a $\sigma$-algebra $\mathcal A$ on a set $X$, does there exist a topology $\...
- 17.6k
12
votes
2
answers
607
views
Partition $\Bbb{R}$ into a family of sets each one homeomorphic to the Cantor set
It is known that there is no (nontrivial) partition of $\Bbb{R}$ into a countable number of closed set. But is there a partition of $\Bbb{R}$ into sets, each one homeomorphic to the cantor ternary set?...
user36763
12
votes
1
answer
316
views
A reference to a theorem on the equivalence of ideals of measure zero in the Cantor cube
I am looking for a reference of the following (true) fact:
Theorem. For any two continuous strictly positive Borel probability measures $\mu,\lambda$ on the Cantor cube $2^\omega$ there exists a ...
- 41.8k
12
votes
1
answer
582
views
Is a locally finite union of $G_\delta$-sets a $G_\delta$-set?
Problem. Let $\mathcal F$ be a locally finite (or even discrete) family of (closed) $G_\delta$-sets in a topological space $X$. Is the union $\cup\mathcal F$ a $G_\delta$-set in $X$?
Remark. The ...
- 41.8k
12
votes
0
answers
172
views
A connected Borel subgroup of the plane
It is known that the complex plane $\mathbb C$ contain dense connected (additive) subgroups with dense complement but each dense path-connected subgroup of $\mathbb C$ necessarily coincides with $\...
- 41.8k
12
votes
0
answers
372
views
Does each compact topological group admit a discontinuous homomorphism to a Polish group?
A compact topological group $G$ is called Van der Waerden if each homomorphism $h:G\to K$ to a compact topological group is continuous. By a classical result of Van der Waerden (1933) the groups $SO(...
- 41.8k
11
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How to show that something is not completely metrizable
I have a Polish space $X$ and a subset $A \subset X$.
I know that $A$ is completely metrizable (in its induced topology) if and only if $A$ is a $G_\delta$-set in $X$.
This means: If I want to show ...
- 987
11
votes
2
answers
725
views
Is a Borel image of a Polish space analytic?
A topological space $X$ is called analytic if it is a continuous image of a Polish space, i.e., the image of a Polish space $P$ under a continuous surjective map $f:P\to X$.
We say that a topological ...
- 41.8k
11
votes
1
answer
769
views
Is there a suitably generalized Baire property for topological spaces of arbitrary cardinalities?
Is there some suitable generalization to the notion of Baire property for topological spaces of arbitrary cardinalities which satisfies the following condition:
The meager sets are sets which are ...
- 1,416
11
votes
1
answer
548
views
Non meager rectangle
Suppose $G \subseteq \mathbb{R}^2$ is dense $G_\delta$. Must there (in ZFC) exist non meager sets of reals $A, B$ such that $A \times B \subseteq G$?
- 9,631
11
votes
1
answer
704
views
Examples of Baire Class $\xi+1$ but not $\xi$ functions for each countable ordinal $\xi.$
We say that $f:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}$ is of Baire Class $1$ if it is a pointwise limit of a sequence of continuous functions.
One can generalize the definition above by taking pointwise limit of ...
- 623
11
votes
1
answer
799
views
Restrictions of null/meager ideal
Let I denote the null (resp. meager) ideal on reals. Is it consistent that for any pair of non null (resp. meager) sets A and B, there is a null (resp. meager) preserving bijection between A and B? In ...
- 9,631
11
votes
0
answers
144
views
Characterizing compact Hausdorff spaces whose all subsets are Borel
I am interested in characterizing compact topological spaces all of whose subsets are Borel. In this respect I have the following
Conjecture. For a compact Hausdorff space $X$ the following ...
- 41.8k
10
votes
1
answer
392
views
Two dimensional perfect sets
Consider the following family of sets
$$ \begin{align*}
\mathcal{F} = \{X\subseteq [0,1]\times [0,1] \mid \ &X \text{ is closed and }\\& \forall x \in \pi_0 (X) (\{y \in [0,1] \mid (x,y) \in ...
- 2,286
10
votes
2
answers
363
views
Source on smooth equivalence relations under continuous reducibility?
This question was asked and bountied at MSE, but received no answer.
In the context of Borel reducibility, smooth equivalence relations (see the introduction of this paper) are rather boring since ...
- 21.2k
10
votes
0
answers
323
views
Determinacy coincidence at $\omega_1$: is CH needed?
This is a follow-up to the last part of an old MSE answer of mine. Briefly, an analogue at $\omega_1$ of Steel's equivalence between clopen and open determinacy can be proved assuming $\mathsf{CH}$, ...
- 21.2k
10
votes
0
answers
272
views
What is the smallest $\sigma$-algebra of reals that is closed under addition of sets?
What is the smallest $\sigma$-algebra $\Sigma\subseteq\mathcal P(\Bbb R)$ containing the open sets and such that if $A,B\in\Sigma$, then $$A+B=\{a+b\mid a\in A,b\in B\}\in\Sigma?$$
I know that neither ...
- 3,011
10
votes
0
answers
498
views
Is there a model of set theory in which $\mathfrak p< \mathfrak b < \mathfrak q$?
Is there a model of set theory in which $\mathfrak p< \mathfrak b < \mathfrak q$?
Here $\mathfrak p$, $\mathfrak b$, $\mathfrak q$ are small uncountable cardinals:
$\mathfrak p$ is the ...
- 1,101
9
votes
2
answers
540
views
Can you fit a $G_\delta$ set between these two sets?
Every subset of $\mathbb N \times \mathbb N$ can be viewed as a relation on $\mathbb N$. The set $\mathcal P(\mathbb N \times \mathbb N)$ of all relations on $\mathbb N$ has a natural topology with ...
- 18.5k
9
votes
2
answers
466
views
Small uncountable cardinals related to $\sigma$-continuity
A function $f:X\to Y$ is defined to be
$\sigma$-continuous (resp. $\bar \sigma$-continuous) if there exists a countable (closed) cover $\mathcal C$ of $X$ such that the restriction $f{\restriction}C$ ...
- 41.8k
9
votes
1
answer
401
views
Meager subgroups of compact groups
Suppose we have an infinite compact (Hausdorff) group $G$, and a subgroup $H\leq G$ which is meagre.
Can $H$ always be covered by a countable family of nowhere dense sets $H_n$ such that $H_n^2$ is ...
- 1,338
9
votes
1
answer
428
views
The cardinality of projections of subsets of the Hilbert cube by inner products
I have three related questions.
Question 1: Is there a subset $X$ of the Hilbert cube $[0,1]^{\Bbb N}$ of cardinality continuum, such that for each sequence $a\in [0,1]^{\Bbb N}$ with $\sum a_n$ ...
- 3,104
9
votes
1
answer
336
views
How much can complexities of bases of a "simple" space vary?
Given a countable subbase of a topology, we can consider its complexity in terms of the difficulty of determining whether one family of basic open sets covers another basic open set. My question is ...
- 21.2k
8
votes
3
answers
846
views
A compactness property for Borel sets
Is the following generalised compactness property of Borel sets in a Polish space consistent with ZFC?
($*$) Let $\mathcal{B}$ be a family of $\aleph_1$-many Borel sets. If $\bigcap \mathcal{B} = \...
- 866
8
votes
1
answer
851
views
When the boundary of any subset is compact?
Let $X$ be a Tychonoff space with no isolated points such that the boundary of any subset of $X$ is compact. Does it mean that $X$ is compact ? (If $X$ is a resolvable space then it is clearly compact....
- 155
8
votes
1
answer
211
views
Can totally inhomogeneous sets of reals coexist with determinacy?
A special case of a theorem of Brian Scott (from On the existence of totally inhomogeneous spaces) is that there is a size-continuum set $S\subset\mathbb{R}$ such that if $x,y\in S$ are distinct then $...
- 21.2k
8
votes
1
answer
351
views
"Compactness length" of Baire space
Intuitively, my question is: how many times do we have to mod out by an closed equivalence relation with all classes compact in order to collapse Baire space $\omega^\omega$ to a singleton?
In more ...
- 21.2k
8
votes
1
answer
571
views
Is $\ell^\infty$ Polishable?
Consider $\ell^\infty$ as a subspace of the Polish space $\mathbb{R}^\omega$. It is easy to check that $\ell^\infty$ is not Polish in the subspace topology, as it is countable union of the compact ...
- 3,115
8
votes
1
answer
395
views
Complexity of the set of closed subsets of an analytic set
Let $X$ be a compact Polish space and $K(X)$ the hyperspace of closed subspaces of $X$ with the Vietoris/Hausdorff metric topology.
Question: If $A$ is an analytic subset of $X$, what is the ...
- 3,115
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Wanted: chain of nowhere dense subsets of the real line whose union is nonmeagre, or even contains intervals
Let $X$ be a topological space. When I call a set nowhere dense, meagre or similar without qualification, I mean that it has this property as a subset of $X$. Call a subset of $X$ weager (for weakly ...
- 662