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<mathematics> An implementation of ordinals in set theory (e.g. Zermelo Fränkel set theory or ZFC). The von Neumann ordinal alpha is the well-ordered set containing just the ordinals "shorter" than alpha.
"Reasonable" set theories (like ZF) include Mostowski's Collapsing Theorem: any well-ordered set is isomorphic to a von Neumann ordinal. In really screwy theories (e.g. NFU -- New Foundations with Urelemente) this theorem is false.
The finite von Neumann ordinals are the von Neumann integers.
(1995-03-30)
Nearby terms: von Neumann integer « von Neumann, John « von Neumann machine « von Neumann ordinal » voodoo programming » Voronoi diagram » Voronoi polygon
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