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Single Idea 10879

[from 'Infinity: Quest to Think the Unthinkable' by Brian Clegg, in 4. Formal Logic / F. Set Theory ST / 4. Axioms for Sets / j. Axiom of Choice IX ]

Full Idea

Axiom of Choice: For every set we can provide a mechanism for choosing one member of any non-empty subset of the set.

Gist of Idea

Choice: For every set a mechanism will choose one member of any non-empty subset

Source

Brian Clegg (Infinity: Quest to Think the Unthinkable [2003], Ch.15)

Book Reference

Clegg,Brian: 'Infinity' [Robinson 2003], p.206


A Reaction

This axiom is unusual because it makes the bold claim that such a 'mechanism' can always be found. Cohen showed that this axiom is separate. The tricky bit is choosing from an infinite subset.