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Single Idea 10833

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / B. Foundations for Mathematics / 4. Axioms for Number / e. Peano arithmetic 2nd-order ]

Full Idea

The notions of infinity and countability can be characterized by second-order sentences, though not by first-order sentences (as compactness and Skolem-Löwenheim theorems show), .. as well as well-ordering, progression, ancestral and identity.

Gist of Idea

Many concepts can only be expressed by second-order logic

Source

George Boolos (On Second-Order Logic [1975], p.48)

Book Ref

Boolos,George: 'Logic, Logic and Logic' [Harvard 1999], p.521


The 9 ideas with the same theme [Dedekind-Peano axioms which also refer to properties]:

Categoricity implies that Dedekind has characterised the numbers, because it has one domain [Rumfitt on Dedekind]
Many concepts can only be expressed by second-order logic [Boolos]
Second-order logic has the expressive power for mathematics, but an unworkable model theory [Shapiro]
Peano Arithmetic can have three second-order axioms, plus '1' and 'successor' [Reck/Price]
A single second-order sentence validates all of arithmetic - but this can't be proved axiomatically [Sider]
Although second-order arithmetic is incomplete, it can fully model normal arithmetic [Read]
Second-order arithmetic covers all properties, ensuring categoricity [Read]
Second-order induction is stronger as it covers all concepts, not just first-order definable ones [George/Velleman]
A plural language gives a single comprehensive induction axiom for arithmetic [Hossack]