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Single Idea 15922

[from 'Understanding the Infinite' by Shaughan Lavine, in 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / g. Real numbers ]

Full Idea

The chief importance of the Continuum Hypothesis for Cantor (I believe) was that it would show that the real numbers form a set, and hence that they were encompassed by his theory.

Gist of Idea

For the real numbers to form a set, we need the Continuum Hypothesis to be true

Source

Shaughan Lavine (Understanding the Infinite [1994], IV.2)

Book Reference

Lavine,Shaughan: 'Understanding the Infinite' [Harvard 1994], p.92

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