< mathematics > A set theory with the following set of axiom s:
Extensionality: two sets are equal if and only if they have the same elements.
Union: If U is a set, so is the union of all its elements.
Pair-set: If a and b are sets, so is
a, b .
Foundation: Every set contains a set disjoint from itself.
Comprehension (or Restriction): If P is a formula with one free variable and X a set then
x: x is in X and P .
is a set.
Infinity: There exists an infinite set .
Power-set: If X is a set, so is its power set .
Zermelo set theory avoids Russell's paradox by excluding sets of elements with arbitrary properties - the Comprehension axiom only allows a property to be used to select elements of an existing set.
Zermelo Frnkel set theory adds the Replacement axiom.
[Other axioms?]
(1995-03-30)