In mathematics, a structural set theory is an approach to

set theory Set theory is the branch of mathematical logic that studies Set (mathematics), sets, which can be informally described as collections of objects. Although objects of any kind can be collected into a set, set theory – as a branch of mathema ...

that emphasizes the aspect of sets as abstract structures. It is in contrast to a more traditional ZFC set-theory, which emphasizes membership. A prime example is Lawvere's

Elementary Theory of the Category of Sets Elementary may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music * ''Elementary'' (Cindy Morgan album), 2001 * ''Elementary'' (The End album), 2007 * ''Elementary'', a Melvin "Wah-Wah Watson" Ragin album, 1977 Other uses in arts, entertainment, a ...

, which identifies sets in terms of relations to each other through functions. Another example is SEAR (Sets, Elements, And Relations). The adjective "structural" comes from the

structuralism Structuralism is an intellectual current and methodological approach, primarily in the social sciences, that interprets elements of human culture by way of their relationship to a broader system. It works to uncover the structural patterns t ...

in the philosophy of mathematics.

References

* * François G. Dorais
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References

Further reading