Second-Order Logic and Foundations of Mathematics

Second-order logic and foundations of mathematics

We discuss the differences between first-order set theory and secondorder logic as a foundation for mathematics. We analyse these languages in terms of two levels of formalization. The analysis shows that if second-order logic is understood in its full semantics capable of characterizing categorically central mathematical concepts, it relies entirely on informal reasoning. On the other hand, if...

Second-Order Logic and Foundations of Mathematics

Second Order Logic, Set Theory and Foundations of Mathematics

The question, whether second order logic is a better foundation for mathematics than set theory, is addressed. The main difference between second order logic and set theory is that set theory builds up a transfinite cumulative hierarchy while second order logic stays within one application of the power sets. It is argued that in many ways this difference is illusory. More importantly, it is arg...

Hilbert’s First and Second Problems and the Foundations of Mathematics

In , David Hilbert gave a seminal lecture in which he spoke about a list of unsolved problems in mathematics that he deemed to be of outstanding importance. The first of these was Cantor’s continuum problem, which has to do with infinite numbers with which Cantor revolutionised set theory. The smallest infinite number, א0, ‘aleph-nought,’ gives the number of positive whole numbers. A set is...

Carnap on the Foundations of Logic and Mathematics

Throughout most of his philosophical career Carnap upheld and defended three distinctive philosophical positions: (1) The thesis that the truths of logic and mathematics are analytic and hence without content and purely formal. (2) The thesis that radical pluralism holds in pure mathematics in that any consistent system of postulates is equally legitimate and that there is no question of justif...