Mathematical Logic: On Numbers, Sets, Structures, and Symmetry

Its first part, Logic Sets, and Numbers, shows how mathematical logic is used to develop the number structures of classical mathematics. The exposition does not assume any prerequisites; it is rigorous, but as informal as possible. All necessary concepts are introduced exactly as they would be in a course in mathematical logic; but are accompanied by more extensive introductory remarks and examples to motivate formal developments. The book can be used as an introduction to model theory, but unlike standard texts, it does not require familiarity with abstract algebra. This book will also be of interest to mathematicians who know the technical aspects of the subject, but are not familiar with its history and philosophical background.