Zermelo's Axiom of Choice Its Origins, Development, and Influence

This book chronicles the work of mathematician Ernst Zermelo (18711953) and his development of set theory's crucial principle, the axiom of choice. It covers the axiom's formulation during the early 20th century, the controversy it engendered, and its current central place in set theory and mathematical logic. 1982 edition.

List of Symbols Prologue 1. The Prehistory of the Axiom of Choice 2. Zermelo and His Critics (1904-1908) 3. Zermelo's Axiom and Axiomatization in Transition (1908-1918) 4. The Warsaw School, Widening Applications, Models of Set Theory (1918-1940) Epilogue: After Gödel Conclusion Appendix 1. Five Letters on Set Theory Appendix 2. Deductive Relations Concerning the Axiom of Choice Journal Abbreviations Used in the Bibliography Bibliography Index of Numbered Propositions General Index