# What background is needed to start Set Theory?

So I'm doing calculus at this moment in my first year, but I think I'm lacking in terms of mathematical notation, logic, etc.

After some research I found that Set Theory is sort of mandatory for any mathematics major and I decided to start learning it on my own. I got the book "Naive Set Theory" by Halmos and have just started reading. However,I'm finding it time consuming.

Is the book good for starters? And is high school mathematics background enough to learn Set Theory on my own while doing calculus(currently doing functions, limits, etc) at university?

Thanks

• I am not professional enough to answer this, and I am not familiar with the book you mention. Based on my own experience I can only say that Set Theory does not (or hardly) require you to have other mathematical stuff at your disposal. A high school background was enough for me. Success. – drhab Mar 19 '14 at 20:23
• For a more interactive approach, may I humbly suggest my proof-checking software with accompanying tutorial. It may be more directly applicable to your situation than a textbook devoted to set theory. Visit my website for a video demo and free download at dcproof.com Write to me if you have any problems at all. – Dan Christensen Mar 19 '14 at 21:02

In my opinion if you have some idea of what a $proof$ is then $Naive$ $Set$ $Theory$ does not need any particular prerequisites (atleast for first $10$ or $12$ chapters). However sometime it seems very dry due to the fact that a particular statement may look obvious to you (though it may not be!) but you'll find a proof for that in the book. The best strategy to read it (in my opinion) is to form a study group of $3-4$ people and discuss among each other.