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Mathematical

Skolem's Paradox

Set theory proves uncountable sets exist, yet has a countable model

Overview

A paradox showing that set theory can prove uncountable sets exist within a countable model.

Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory proves real numbers are uncountable. But by the Löwenheim-Skolem theorem, ZF has a countable model. So there's a model where 'uncountable' sets exist, but the model itself is countable. How can uncountable sets exist in a countable model?

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