Naive Set Theory (book)

Naive Set Theory is a mathematics textbook by Paul Halmos originally published in 1960. This book is an undergraduate introduction to not-very-naive set theory. It is still considered by many to be the best introduction to set theory for beginners. While the title states that it is naive, which is usually taken to mean without axioms, the book does introduce all the axioms of Zermelo–Fraenkel set theory and gives correct and rigorous definitions for basic objects. Where it differs from a "true" axiomatic set theory book is its character: there are no long-winded discussions of axiomatic minutiae, and there is next to nothing about advanced topics like large cardinals. Instead, it tries to be intelligible to someone who has never thought about set theory before.

Famous quotes containing the words naive, set and/or theory:

    “The days have outnumbered
    my fingers and toes.
    What can I count with now?”
    Saying this,
    the naive girl cries.
    Hla Stavhana (c. 50 A.D.)

    I had rather hear a brazen canstick turned,
    Or a dry wheel grate on the axle-tree,
    And that would set my teeth nothing on edge,
    Nothing so much as mincing poetry.
    ‘Tis like the forced gait of a shuffling nag.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    The theory of truth is a series of truisms.
    —J.L. (John Langshaw)