The uses of set theory (Q1189874): Difference between revisions

Six examples of the use of set theory in other branches of mathematics are given, in support of the thesis that set theory is needed to do mathematics. This is presented as a drastic change from the historical position that set theory was needed only as a foundation for mathematics. The examples cover the use of combinatorial results on stationary sets and from the partition calculus, as well as uses of independence results and of absolute results obtained using independence techniques. The introduction to the paper sets out set theory as based on three truths and two beliefs, and it is not clear to this reviewer how successful this part of the exposition is; but the selection and presentation of the examples is certainly successful in supporting the main thesis.