Set Theory and the Continuum Hypothesis (Dover Books on Mathematics) - Softcover

Cohen, Paul J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486469212 ISBN 13: 9780486469218

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2008

Synopsis

This exploration of a notorious mathematical problem is the work of the man who discovered the solution. The independence of the continuum hypothesis is the focus of this study by Paul J. Cohen. It presents not only an accessible technical explanation of the author's landmark proof but also a fine introduction to mathematical logic. An emeritus professor of mathematics at Stanford University, Dr. Cohen won two of the most prestigious awards in mathematics: in 1964, he was awarded the American Mathematical Society's Bôcher Prize for analysis; and in 1966, he received the Fields Medal for Logic.
In this volume, the distinguished mathematician offers an exposition of set theory and the continuum hypothesis that employs intuitive explanations as well as detailed proofs. The self-contained treatment includes background material in logic and axiomatic set theory as well as an account of Kurt Gödel's proof of the consistency of the continuum hypothesis. An invaluable reference book for mathematicians and mathematical theorists, this text is suitable for graduate and postgraduate students and is rich with hints and ideas that will lead readers to further work in mathematical logic.

About this title

About the Author

A renowned mathematician, professor, and theorist, the late Paul J. Cohen won two of the most prestigious awards in mathematics: the American Mathematical Society's Bôcher Prize in 1964, for analysis; and the Fields Medal, the "Nobel Prize" of mathematics, in 1966, for logic.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0486469212
• ISBN 13: 9780486469218
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 190