Unit name | Axiomatic Set Theory |
---|---|
Unit code | MATHM1300 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Welch |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
MATH30100 Logic |
Co-requisites |
As a Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Set Theory MATH32000. (However please discuss with Unit Organiser if you have not taken (or will not be taking) M32000.) |
School/department | School of Mathematics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Unit aims
To develop the theory of Gödel's universe of constructible sets; to use this model to prove the consistency of various statements of mathematics with the currently accepted axioms of set theory.
General Description of the Unit
It is known that various straightforward mathematical statements are neither provable nor disprovable in the best available axiomatic system of set theory that we have. This system, Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory ("ZF"), provides a theoretical underpinning of all of mathematics, in that any mathematical statement, if provable, can be proven in this system. However certain straightforward statements, e.g., the Axiom of Choice (in one form: "every set can be wellordered") can be neither proved nor disproved in ZF. Another is the Continuum Hypothesis ("CH": that every uncountable set of real numbers can be put in (1-1) correspondence with the set of all real numbers). The course will contain a discussion of the nature of axiomatic systems, the nature of concepts such as "provability", "unprovability" in such systems, and the status of Gödel's famous Incompleteness Theorems (roughly that any axiom system T extending that of, eg, Peano's system for arithmetic cannot prove a statement Con(T) encapsulating the consistency of that formal system) in the setting of set theory.
There will follow an introduction to the axiomatics of ZF together with the construction of "L", a universe of sets invented by Gödel, This allowed him to show that both AC and CH were not disprovable.
If time permits we shall sketch Cohen's 1963 forcing method that showed how the CH was not provable from ZF; or else we may discuss further strong axioms of infinity, or ``large cardinals
Relation to Other Units
This is the only unit which develops further the concepts in the Level 6 units Logic and Set Theory.
It is particularly pertinent to those interested in, or taking courses in mathematics and philosophy.
Additional unit information can be found at http://www.maths.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergrad/current_units/index.html
Learning Objectives
After taking this unit, students should:
Transferable Skills
Assimilation and use of novel and abstract ideas.
Lectures and exercises to be done by students.
100% Examination.
Raw scores on the examinations will be determined according to the marking scheme written on the examination paper. The marking scheme, indicating the maximum score per question, is a guide to the relative weighting of the questions. Raw scores are moderated as described in the Undergraduate Handbook.
Reading and references are available at http://www.maths.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergrad/current_units/index.html