Axiom of choice

In mathematics, the axiom of choice, or AC, is an axiom of set theory. It was formulated in 1904 by Ernst Zermelo. While it was originally controversial, it is now accepted and used casually by most mathematicians. However, there are still schools of mathematical thought, primarily within set theory, that either reject the axiom of choice, or even investigate consequences of axioms inconsistent with AC.

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Axiom - Set theory - 1904 - Ernst Zermelo

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Intuitively speaking, AC says that if you have a collection of bins, each containing at least one object, then you can pick exactly one object from each bin and gather them all in another bin--even if there are infinitely many bins, and no "rule" telling you which object to pick from each.

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