Thomas Wilskow Thorbjørnsen (University of Western Ontario): Forcing, classifying topoi, and the independence of the continuum hypothesis

Abstract: 

Forcing is a model theoretic technique developed to prove that the continuum hypothesis is independent of ZFC. The models produced by this are often quite unruly and difficult to understand. Topoi, on the other hand, are often easier to work with. In this expository talk we will look at forcing models and topoi, and how the bridge between them allows us to construct independence proofs.

Published Jan. 14, 2026 9:50 AM - Last modified Jan. 14, 2026 9:50 AM