Set Theory with a Universal Set

Set theory is concerned with the foundations of mathematics. This work aims to provide an introduction to the subject and concentrates on Quine's "New Foundations", which allows the set of all sets - the universal set.

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Set theory is concerned with the foundations of mathematics. In the original formulations of set theory, there were paradoxes concerned with the idea of the "set of all sets". Current standard theory (Zermelo-Fraenkel) avoids these paradoxes by restricting the way sets may be formed by other sets specifically to disallow the possibility of forming the set of all sets. In the 1930s, Quine proposed a different form of set theory in which the set of all sets - the universal set - is allowed, but other restrictions are placed on these axioms. Since then, the steady interest expressed in these non-standard set theories has been boosted by their relevance to computer science. This text concentrates on Quine's "New Foundations", reflecting the author's belief that this provides the richest and most mysterious of the various systems dealing with set theories with a universal set. Dr Forster provides an introduction to those interested in the topic and a reference work for those already involved in this area.