The Zermelo-Fraenkel Axioms (with Choice)

blues rock american primitivism, french big band

Listen on 93

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
In the realm where mathematics grows precise
We need rules to build our paradise
Not defining what a set could be
Just declaring what exists, you see
Extensionality starts the show
Two sets equal when their contents flow
Exactly matching, element by element
No hidden differences, no argument

[Chorus]
ZFC axioms, ten foundations strong
Empty set and pairing, singing set theory's song
Union, power, infinite chains
Separation blocks the paradox pains
Replacement builds and Foundation guards
Choice selects from scattered shards
These are the rules that make sets real
ZFC axioms, mathematics' steel

[Verse 2]
Empty set exists with nothing inside
Pairing takes two sets for a ride
Makes a new one holding both as treasure
Union gathers collections beyond measure
Power set creates all subsets dancing
Infinity gives us numbers advancing
Zero, successor, successor again
Natural numbers in an endless chain

[Chorus]
ZFC axioms, ten foundations strong
Empty set and pairing, singing set theory's song
Union, power, infinite chains
Separation blocks the paradox pains
Replacement builds and Foundation guards
Choice selects from scattered shards
These are the rules that make sets real
ZFC axioms, mathematics' steel

[Bridge]
Separation says you cannot form
Sets from nothing but the storm
Start with something, filter down
Russell's paradox won't come around
Replacement maps with function's grace
Foundation keeps sets in their place
No descending membership falls
Choice picks elements through it all

[Chorus]
ZFC axioms, ten foundations strong
Empty set and pairing, singing set theory's song
Union, power, infinite chains
Separation blocks the paradox pains
Replacement builds and Foundation guards
Choice selects from scattered shards
These are the rules that make sets real
ZFC axioms, mathematics' steel

[Outro]
From these ten axioms, mathematics blooms
Set theory fills up all the rooms
What exists and what we can create
ZFC seals mathematics' fate

← The Paradox | The Axiom of Choice: Power and Controversy →