Reflection Principle

In set theory, a branch of mathematics, a reflection principle says that it is possible to find sets that resemble the class of all sets. There are several different forms of the reflection principle depending on exactly what is meant by "resemble". Weak forms of the reflection principle are theorems of ZF set theory due to Montague (1961), while stronger forms can be new and very powerful axioms for set theory.

The name "reflection principle" comes from the fact that properties of the universe of all sets are "reflected" down to a smaller set.

Read more about Reflection Principle:  Motivation For Reflection Principles, The Reflection Principle As A Theorem of ZFC, Reflection Principles As New Axioms

Famous quotes containing the words reflection and/or principle:

    And since the average lifetime—the relative longevity—is far greater for memories of poetic sensations than for those of heartbreaks, since the very long time that the grief I felt then because of Gilbert, it has been outlived by the pleasure I feel, whenever I wish to read, as in a sort of sundial, the minutes between twelve fifteen and one o’clock, in the month of May, upon remembering myself chatting ... with Madame Swann under the reflection of a cradle of wisteria.
    Marcel Proust (1871–1922)

    The sons of Judah have to choose that God may again choose them.... The divine principle of our race is action, choice, resolved memory.
    George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)