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To: longshadow
But that doesn't mean it is undecideable in an absolute sense

No mathematical statement is undecideable in an absolute sense; one can always add an otherwise undecideable statement as an axiom (or its negation or some set that of statements that imply it or its negation) and presto, it is then decidable.

That's what's up with CH. Evidently it would be bad form to just add CH so they'll cook up something not quite so blatant instead.

86 posted on 02/25/2004 8:51:06 PM PST by edsheppa
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To: edsheppa
No mathematical statement is undecideable in an absolute sense; one can always add an otherwise undecideable statement as an axiom (or its negation or some set that of statements that imply it or its negation) and presto, it is then decidable.

That's not proof; that's "decideability" by fiat. It reminds of a quote:

"Some men think the world is round, others think it flat. It is a matter capable of question. But if it is flat, will the King's command make it round, and if it is round, will the King's command flatten it?" - "A Man for All Seasons" -Robert Bolt.

That's what's up with CH. Evidently it would be bad form to just add CH so they'll cook up something not quite so blatant instead.

Let me guess, you don't like Mathematicians, do you?

;-)

94 posted on 02/26/2004 3:56:31 PM PST by longshadow
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