BADIOU - BEING AND EVENT - Zermelo-Fraenkel set Theory and the Axiom of Choice (Close-Read #3)

Summary

The video script delves into set theory, particularly the Axiom of Choice, which allows for the construction of new sets from non-empty sets but can lead to paradoxes like the Banach-Tarski paradox. It discusses how set theory's handling of multiplicities and the concept of 'one' versus 'many' is used to explore philosophical questions about existence and being. The script also touches on the implications of set theory's axioms for understanding historical, social, and subjective events, suggesting a tension between mathematical and philosophical interpretations of these concepts.

Takeaways

• 📚 Set theory, with its foundational axioms, forms the basis of modern mathematics and is explored in the context of Zamelo Frankel's work.
• 🤔 The Axiom of Choice is highlighted as a contentious principle that allows for the construction of new sets from existing ones but can lead to paradoxes.
• 🔄 The Banach-Tarski Paradox is mentioned as an example where a solid ball can be decomposed and reassembled into two identical balls, challenging our intuitive understanding.
• 🚫 The Axiom of Foundation is discussed, which prohibits self-membership in sets and is crucial for maintaining set theory's consistency.
• 🧠 Badu's philosophy is introduced, which uses set theory to explore the relationship between being and multiplicity, challenging traditional Greek thought.
• 📈 Set theory is not just a mathematical tool but is used by Badu to make profound philosophical statements about the nature of existence and the event.
• 🚧 The concept of individuation in set theory is explored, where the identity of a set is defined by its structural relations and not by its individual elements.
• 🛑 The prohibition of self-belonging in sets leads to the philosophical conclusion that there can be no overarching 'one' or totality, such as a grand cosmos or god.
• 🆕 The event, as introduced by Badu, is a concept that represents the introduction of new occurrences or subjective actions that cannot be fully accounted for by existing sets or structures.
• 🔮 The script suggests a philosophical stance that there are aspects of reality, particularly the event, that cannot be captured by ontology alone and require a deeper philosophical inquiry.

Q & A

What is the Axiom of Choice in set theory?

The Axiom of Choice is a foundational principle in set theory that allows for the construction of a new set by selecting one element from each member of a collection of non-empty sets.

What are some paradoxes that arise from accepting the Axiom of Choice?

Accepting the Axiom of Choice can lead to paradoxes such as the Banach-Tarski paradox, where a solid ball can be decomposed into a finite number of non-overlapping pieces that can be reassembled into two identical balls through rotations and translations.

How does the Axiom of Choice relate to the concept of 'oneness' in set theory?

The Axiom of Choice is related to the concept of 'oneness' in set theory as it allows for the construction of a new set from multiple sets, suggesting that one can be derived from many, challenging the notion of a singular, unified whole.

What is the significance of the statement that mathematics can express everything in set theory?

The statement implies that set theory serves as a foundational framework for all mathematical concepts, allowing for a unified language to describe and understand mathematical entities.

What is the role of the Axiom of Foundation in set theory and its philosophical implications?

The Axiom of Foundation prohibits self-membership in sets, ensuring that every set has an element that is disjoint from it. Philosophically, this implies the inexistence of a grand superstructure or an overarching set, challenging the idea of a unified whole or totality.

How does the concept of the 'void set' relate to the idea of being in set theory?

In set theory, the 'void set' or empty set is significant as it represents the absence of elements. Philosophically, it is associated with the idea of being as it orders everything without belonging to any set, suggesting that being is defined by its absence or negation.

What does the prohibition of self-belonging in set theory signify in the context of Badiou's philosophy?

In Badiou's philosophy, the prohibition of self-belonging signifies the impossibility of a set containing itself, which is used to argue against the existence of a grand unifying principle or totality, such as a complete cosmos or total being.

How does the concept of the event relate to the Axiom of Foundation in Badiou's philosophy?

In Badiou's philosophy, the event is tied to the Axiom of Foundation as it introduces an occurrence that cannot be fully accounted for by existing sets or structures. It represents a break from the established order, introducing new elements that were not previously included.

What is the philosophical significance of the statement that 'ontology can say nothing about the event'?

This statement suggests that traditional ontological frameworks are inadequate to explain or account for the emergence of new, unforeseen events. It implies a need for a philosophical approach that can accommodate the unpredictability and novelty of events.

How does the script's discussion of set theory relate to broader philosophical debates about existence and being?

The script connects set theory to philosophical debates by exploring how the axioms and principles of set theory can be used to discuss concepts like oneness, multiplicity, and the nature of existence. It suggests that set theory provides a framework for understanding the relationships between individual elements and the collective wholes they form.