All Questions
85 questions
5
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2
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1k
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Large cardinals without the ambient set theory?
In an attempt to understand a bit better large cardinals, I have been thinking along the following lines, which could be summarized under the slogan
Talk about cardinals without the
(ambient) ...
5
votes
1
answer
344
views
What is the proof of consistency of anterior reflection?
Let Anterior Reflection be the following principle: $$\forall \vec{v}~ \exists X: \operatorname {transitive} (X) \land \, (\varphi \to \varphi^{X"}) $$
where $\varphi$ is a formula in $\sf FOL(=,\in)$ ...
5
votes
0
answers
278
views
Class theory of ZF-minus-Powerset as classical predicative system?
I've been thinking about some mathematics in weaker foundational systems a little bit, largely from a structural viewpoint, and with particular attention to classes.
Some categories I've been keeping ...
4
votes
3
answers
915
views
Compactness of existential second order logic and definability of certain quantifiers
It is known (as a slogan) that the "existential fragment of second-order logic (ESO) is compact".
My first question is:
(1) Is ESO compact for:
(a) uncountable languages
(b) languages with ...
4
votes
2
answers
452
views
On wild behavior of $\omega_{1}$ in the absence of some essential axioms of $ZFC$
The regularity of $\omega_{1}$ is one of the most well known facts of set theory. But it seems that in order to prove this simple fact we need the "full power" of mathematics! For example by an ...
4
votes
1
answer
369
views
Bounded alternatives to powerset that interpret ZFC
In set theory, many properties/relations of interest can be expressed as $\Delta_0$ formulas (formulas with only bounded quantifiers):
\begin{align}
\text{empty}(a) &\equiv \forall x \in a . \...
4
votes
0
answers
424
views
What are the requirements of a foundational theory?
There are multiple languages to describe all of mathematics, and there are some equivalences between them, some more successful then others.
My question is can we describe some requirements (in some ...
3
votes
1
answer
422
views
Should functions be assumed to behave like the identity function when evaluated outside their domain?
Suppose we have a set $f$ of ordered pairs (so not a triple $(X,Y,f)$ but just the $f$) and suppose that $f$ has the appropriate property such that we can view $f$ as a function. Formally, we wish to ...
3
votes
1
answer
96
views
Is this form of replacement suitable for ZF - Powerset + well-ordering principle?
The following scheme can be understood as a form of replacement. Axiomatizing $\sf ZF$ with it instead of the usual replacement schema renders it immune to removal of extensionality; see here.
In an ...
3
votes
1
answer
510
views
Harvey Friedman: The expanding mind
In reference 1, Friedman writes:
I discuss my efforts concerning 3 crucial issues in the foundations of mathematics that are deeply connected with the great work of Kurt Gödel.
[...]
B. Are there ...
3
votes
2
answers
720
views
Shortest axiom of infinity for foundationless set theory
Let $T$ be the theory with a binary symbol $\in$, an unary symbol $S$, and the following axioms:
Axiom of extension:
\begin{equation}
\forall x \forall y (\forall z (z \in x \leftrightarrow z \in ...
3
votes
1
answer
256
views
Can these short set-building expressions of the finite set world extend to the infinite set world?
A formula of the form $\forall \vec{p}\, \exists x \, \forall y\, (y \in x \leftrightarrow \phi(y,\vec{p}))$
is to be named a "set-building" formula.
Now, when $\vec{p}$ includes a predicate ...
3
votes
0
answers
283
views
Formal foundations done properly [closed]
I would want to do mathematics properly, so that the proofs of results can be trusted on instead of them being just suggestions on which results could perhaps apply. This means formulating the math in ...
2
votes
1
answer
458
views
Set of definable real numbers?
Is there a set theory at least as strong as $KP\omega$ which has as a theorem that there is a set $\mathbb{D}$ of precisely the definable real numbers?
2
votes
1
answer
275
views
comprehension and ideal elements
A not uncommon thought in philosophy is that we should distinguish (in philosophy, anyway) between "sparse" ("real", "serious") and "abundant" ("ideal", "superficial") properties/classes and relations....
2
votes
0
answers
220
views
Which is richer Set or Graph Theory?
This theory about structures, defined as abstractions over isomorphic graphs, can interpret Set Theory in a rather creepy manner. Though the theory is largely technical, yet it is not far from being ...
2
votes
0
answers
159
views
Why not replace reflection by bounded reflection in Muller's approach?
Bounded Reflection: If $\phi$ is a formula in the language of set theory [i.e.; $\small \sf FOL(=,\in)$], in which all and only symbols $``x,x_1,..,x_n"$ occur free, and $\phi^V$ is the formula ...
2
votes
0
answers
305
views
Does this axiomatic system satisfy requirements for founding mathematics?
In this article, the author, F.A.Muller, suggests criteria for a founding theory of mathematics (pp:14-16). The author proposes $ARC$ Class Theory to embody these requirements. The motivation is ...
1
vote
1
answer
261
views
Finite level super classes over ZFC
My question is: "Is it possible to have a sound and rigorous legitimation of the following construction ?". This construction is:
0/ Let ZFC be the usuel set theory, and let us add to the language ...
1
vote
1
answer
396
views
Complete and consistent first-order theories that contain interesting phenomena
Gödel has shown that a consistent recursively axiomatizable first-order theory that can interpret Robinson arithmetic is incomplete.
I think there is some sentimental value in working with a theory ...
1
vote
1
answer
535
views
Tarski-Grothendieck set theory, the axiom of pairing and the axiom of specification
I am building upon MO question 102846 concerning the Tarski-Grothendieck set theory (TG).
I have two questions;
1/ I think that it is possible that the axiom of pairing (axiom 4 of the TG theory ...
1
vote
0
answers
82
views
How strong is separation + reflection without transitivity?
Consider a theory $T$ with a binary relation $\in$ and the following axiom schemas:
$\exists u \forall x (x \in u \leftrightarrow x \in a \land \phi)$ where $u$ is not free in $\phi$. This is the ...
1
vote
0
answers
57
views
What is the consistency strength of this addition on simple type-set theory?
Language: multi-sorted first order logic with equality and membership, where for each natural $n$ there is a set $x^n$ of sort $n$. Equality "$=$" only occurs between variables of the same ...
1
vote
0
answers
123
views
Is $\sf \Gamma_0$ the proof theoretic ordinal of this kind of predicative class theory?
Adopting the approach of Mono-sorted $\sf NBG$, define sets as elements of classes, then axiomatize:
Extensionality, Predicative Class comprehension, emptyset, in the usual manner along mono-sorted $\...
1
vote
0
answers
127
views
What is the proof theoretic ordinal of this kind of predicative type-set theory?
The following is a kind of Predicative Type Set Theory.
The question is about what is exactly the proof theoretic ordinal of this theory? Is it lower than the one expected for predicative theories, i....
1
vote
0
answers
117
views
Can this type theory interpret second order arithmetic?
Language: multi-sorted first order logic with equality and membership, where for each natural $t$ there is a set $x^t$ of sort $t$. Equality "$=$" only occurs between variables of the same ...
1
vote
0
answers
94
views
Is definability in $V$ in $\sf Ack+MK$ expressible in its language?
Recall Ackermann set theory. If we extend Ackermann's set theory by adding all axioms of $\sf MK$ to it. We shall denote the universe of all elements by $W$, while $V$ is the primitive constant symbol ...
1
vote
0
answers
192
views
Does foundationless Ackermann set theory prove replacement?
From Ackermann's set theory equals ZF (1970) by William N. Reinhardt:
Let A be the theory determined by the following axioms:
Extensionality: $\forall z (z \in x \leftrightarrow z \in y) \to x = y$
...
1
vote
0
answers
278
views
A countable set theory providing choice?
Instead of Zermelo set theory $Z$ take $Y$ = $Z$ minus the power set axiom plus
Enumerability: $\forall x(x\neq \emptyset \to\exists f[f:\mathbb{N}\overset{onto}{\frown}x ])$
$\imath$ is the ...
1
vote
0
answers
257
views
Is there a non-trivial consistency preserving transformation?
In set theory "equiconsistency" (and not "consistency") of the theories is the main part of researches. So we usually try to construct a new model using a given one. In the ...
-1
votes
1
answer
291
views
Weak power set - what strength may it have? [closed]
In The Consistency of Classical Set Theory Relative to a Set Theory with Intuitionistic Logic in THE JOURNAL OF SYMBOLIC LOGIC Volume 38, Number 2, June 1973 page 316 Harvey Friedman's axiom 8* $Weak \...
-3
votes
3
answers
836
views
Can different extensions of ZF have contradictory consequences for first-order arithmetic?
My question is basically, does there exist a statement X independent of ZF such that ZF + X implies a statement P of first-order arithmetic, but ZF + not X implies not P?
Now X cannot be the axiom ...
-3
votes
1
answer
296
views
Can this form of reflection be consistent?
Is this form of reflection consistent?
First I'll begin by clarifying the notation I'm using here:
By a quantifier being relativized or bounded it means that the first occurrence of the quantified ...
-3
votes
1
answer
262
views
An axiomatic system with a set of constants that form a complete ordered field [closed]
I am developing a ZFC axiomatic system where together with the empty set, there is a singular (and huge) set of constants that are themselves sets and form a complete ordered field (cof) these ...
-4
votes
1
answer
198
views
Is Bounding Reflection consistent?
Working in the first order language of set theory.
Let $\varphi^{*B}$ be the formula obtained from $\varphi$ by merely bounding all open quantifiers in $\varphi$ by the symbol "$B$".
Here a ...