It is consistent that $2^{\aleph_0} > \aleph_\omega$. This is immediate from Cohen's work; force with all finite partial functions from $\aleph_{\omega}$ to $2$. More generally Easton has shown that the only constraints on exponentiation of regular cardinals is that it be monotonic and satisfy $\mathrm{cof}(2^\kappa) > \kappa$. For singular cardinals, the matter is much more subtle. For instance one of Shelah's celebrated results is that if $\aleph_\omega$ is a strong limit cardinal, then $2^{\aleph_\omega} < \aleph_{\omega_4}$ (and no, that $4$ is not a misprint).
Justin Moore
- 3.5k
- 31
- 33