Introduction to the Foundations of Mathematics Second Edition

This classic undergraduate text elegantly acquaints students with the fundamental concepts and methods of mathematics. In addition to introducing many noteworthy historical figures from the 18th through the mid-20th centuries, it examines the axiomatic method, set theory, infinite sets, the linear continuum and the real number system, groups, intuitionism, formal systems, mathematical logic, and other topics.

Raymond L. Wilder (1896–1982) was Professor of Mathematics at the University of Michigan. After his 1967 retirement, he served as a research associate and lecturer at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Part One: Fundamental Concepts and Methods of Mathematics I. The Axiomatic Method II. Analysis of the Axiomatic Method III Theory of Sets III Theory of Sets IV. Infinite Sets V. Well-Ordered Sets; Ordinal Numbers VI. The Linear Continuum and the Real Number System VII. Groups and Their Significance for the Foundations Part Two: Development of Various Viewpoints on Foundations VIII. The Early Developments IX. The Frege-Russell Thesis: Mathematics an Extension of Logic X. Intuitionism XI. Formal Systems; Mathematical Logic XII. The Cultural Setting of Mathematics Bibliography Index of Symbols Index of Topics and Technical Terms Index of Names