Axiomatic set theory and independence

Understand mathematical infinity through axioms, ordinal recursion, cardinal arithmetic, constructibility, and forcing.

10 published lessons1 module353 min of guided study
  1. 01
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Axiomatic set theory and independence

Understand mathematical infinity through axioms, ordinal recursion, cardinal arithmetic, constructibility, and forcing.

  1. 01

    Zermelo–Fraenkel axioms and Replacement

    Distinguish bounded comprehension from functional collection and track the axioms that make a mathematical construction a set.

    33 min
  2. 02

    Ordinals and transfinite induction

    Use well-ordered transitive sets as order types and distinguish ordinal addition from cardinal counting.

    32 min
  3. 03

    Transfinite recursion and the rank hierarchy

    Construct set-length histories, distinguish definable class recursion from set-valued functions, and locate sets in the cumulative hierarchy.

    34 min
  4. 04

    Cardinals and the Axiom of Choice

    Distinguish bijective size from order type and identify exactly where well-ordering and simultaneous selections use Choice.

    33 min
  5. 05

    Cofinality and cardinal arithmetic

    Track unbounded sequences, regular and singular cardinals, and diagonal restrictions on exponentiation under ZFC.

    35 min
  6. 06

    Stationary sets and club filters

    Use regular uncountable cardinals to distinguish unboundedness, closed-unbounded sets, and stationary intersection principles.

    35 min
  7. 07

    The constructible universe and relative consistency

    Define Gödel’s hierarchy using set-sized definability and distinguish a class interpretation from an asserted set model of ZFC.

    37 min
  8. 08

    Forcing partial orders and generic filters

    Build compatible approximations, meet ground-model dense sets, and keep external countability distinct from internal cardinality.

    36 min
  9. 09

    Forcing names and the forcing theorem

    Interpret recursively coded names, distinguish truth in a generic extension from a condition’s forcing assertion, and state the theorem as a formula scheme.

    38 min
  10. 10

    The Continuum Hypothesis and relative consistency

    Combine constructibility, Cohen forcing, cardinal preservation, and name counting without confusing a conditional independence theorem with a proof of consistency.

    40 min
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