Logic & Philosophy of Science

Course Description


Course:  LPS/Phil 105A
LPS/Phil 205A
Name:  Elementary Set Theory
Description:  This course is designed as an introduction to basic set theoretic notions and methods. Material fundamental to mathematical logic and to a range of philosophical controversies will be emphasized (e.g., ontological reduction, the axiomatic method, foundations and philosophy of mathematics), along with the nature and structure of ordinary mathematical proof. 

Required Text:  Maddy, Logic for Philosophers 
Recommended Text:  Enderton, Elements of Set Theory 
Course Requirements:  There will be weekly problem sets, and midterm and final exams. 
Topics:
1.  Sets and basic operations 
2.  The universe of sets 
3.  The axioms of Extensionality, Empty Set and Pairing 
4.  Ordered pairs 
5.  The axioms of Union, Power Set, and Separation 
6.  Relations 
7.  Orderings 
8.  Functions 
9.  The axiom of Choice 
10. Natural numbers 
11. Infinite numbers