Hypersets (Q1181863)

Several elegant solutions of problems in theoretical computer science, e.g. the constructions of natural models of the \(\lambda\)-calculus by \textit{M. von Rimscha} [Arch. Math. Logik Grundlagenforsch. 20, 65--73 (1980; Zbl 0428.03045)], have brought to the attention of a larger audience the usefulness of alternatives to the axiom of foundation. A systematic study of such principles (generalizations of Mostowski's collapse combined with various forms of extensionality) has been initiated by \textit{P. Hajek} [Z. Math. Logik Grundlagen Math. 11, 103--115 (1965; Zbl 0171.26402)] and \textit{M. Boffa} [ibid. 14, 329--334 (1968; Zbl 0169.30603)]. In the paper under review the authors give an introduction into one of these alternatives, the antifoundation axiom AFA in \textit{P. Aczel's} terminology [Non-well-founded sets. CSLI Lecture Notes, 14. Stanford, CA (1988; Zbl 0668.04001)]. The purpose of this paper is to convince the reader that AFA ``is an interesting, mathematically and philosophically respectable alternative'' to the axiom of foundation.