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Single Idea 13205

[filed under theme 4. Formal Logic / F. Set Theory ST / 4. Axioms for Sets / j. Axiom of Choice IX ]

Full Idea

For functions, we know that for any y there exists an appropriate x, but we can't yet form a function H, as we have no way of defining one particular choice of x. Hence we need the axiom of choice.

Gist of Idea

We can only define functions if Choice tells us which items are involved

Source

Herbert B. Enderton (Elements of Set Theory [1977], 3:48)

Book Ref

Enderton,Herbert B.: 'Elements of Set Theory' [Posts + Telecoms 2006], p.48


The 8 ideas from 'Elements of Set Theory'

Note that {Φ} =/= Φ, because Φ ∈ {Φ} but Φ ∉ Φ [Enderton]
The empty set may look pointless, but many sets can be constructed from it [Enderton]
∈ says the whole set is in the other; ⊆ says the members of the subset are in the other [Enderton]
Fraenkel added Replacement, to give a theory of ordinal numbers [Enderton]
The singleton is defined using the pairing axiom (as {x,x}) [Enderton]
The 'ordered pair' <x,y> is defined to be {{x}, {x,y}} [Enderton]
We can only define functions if Choice tells us which items are involved [Enderton]
A 'linear or total ordering' must be transitive and satisfy trichotomy [Enderton]