Philosophy I / Set Theory: Membership and Operations
Practice question · Multiple choice

The axiom of extensionality defines a set entirely by its members, without order or repetition. What consequence does this principle have for how we determine whether two separately described sets are identical?

Hints
  1. What condition ensures that no object belongs to one collection without belonging to the other?
  2. Does extensionality evaluate the phrasing of a condition or the actual objects gathered?
Show the answer

C. They are identical if and only if each is a subset of the other

Why

Equivalence in extensionality ignores description methods or counts; it requires mutual inclusion (ABA \subseteq B and BAB \subseteq A). Confusing intensional definitions or cardinality with set identity overlooks that distinct predicates can pick out the exact same collection of objects.

Read the lesson: Set Theory: Membership and Operations →

Practise Set Theory: Membership and Operations

The app has 4 more questions on this lesson, and keeps your place in the course. Philosophy I is free to start.

More questions on Set Theory: Membership and Operations