nLab improper filter

The improper filter

The improper filter

Idea

A filter is improper if it is the whole thing … whatever thing the filters are filters in.

Definitions

Definition (improper filter in a lattice or other proset)

If LL is a lattice or even a proset, then LL is an filter in itself, the improper filter.

Definition (improper filter on a set)

If SS is a set, then the improper filter on SS is the power set of SS.

Of course, the improper filter on SS is simply the improper filter in the power set of SS.

Properties

The improper filter contrasts with proper filters (all of the other filters).

The improper filter does not count as a prime filter or an ultrafilter, because it is too simple to be simple, although it may satisfy careless or naïve definitions of those concepts (which must be required to be proper).

Conversely, sometimes one defines ‘filter’ to exclude the improper filter, especially in analysis and topology; however, this makes the set of all filters less nice to work with.

Created on August 17, 2012 at 21:36:29. See the history of this page for a list of all contributions to it.