We prove in ZFC, no psi in L_{omega_1,omega}[Q] have unique model of uncountable cardinality, this confirms theBaldwin conjecture. But we analyze this in more general terms. We introduce and investigate a.e.c. and also versions of limit models, and prove some basic properties like representation by PC class, for any a.e.c. For PC_{aleph_0}-representable a.e.c. we investigate the conclusion of having not too many non-isomorphic models in aleph_1 and aleph_2, but have to assume 2^{aleph_0}<2^{aleph_1} and even 2^{aleph_1}<2^{aleph_2}.
We study abstract elementary classes (AECs) that, in $\aleph_0$, have amalgamation, joint embedding, no maximal models and are stable (in terms of the number of orbital types). Assuming a locality property for types, we prove that such classes exhibit superstable-like behavior at $\aleph_0$. More precisely, there is a superlimit model of cardinality $\aleph_0$ and the class generated by this superlimit has a type-full good $\aleph_0$-frame (a local notion of nonforking independence) and a superlimit model of cardinality $\aleph_1$. We also give a supersimplicity condition under which the local…
Let 0<n^*< omega and f:X-> n^*+1 be a function where X subseteq omega backslash (n^*+1) is infinite. Consider the following set S_f= {x subset aleph_omega : |x| <= aleph_{n^*} & (for all n in X)cf(x cap alpha_n)= aleph_{f(n)}}. The question, first posed by Baumgartner, is whether S_f is stationary in [alpha_omega]^{< aleph_{n^*+1}}. By a standard result, the above question can also be rephrased as certain transfer property. Namely, S_f is stationary iff for any structure A=< aleph_omega, ... > there's a B prec A such that |B|= aleph_{n^*} and for all n in X we have cf(B cap aleph_n)= aleph_{f(…
A ZFC Dowker space is constructed which has cardinality $\aleph_{ω+1}$. This provides a bound in ZFC to the first cardinal in which there is a ZFC Dowker space. The space we construct is a closed and cofinal subspace of M.~E.~Rudin's Dowker space from 1971. A theorem from pcf theory used in the proof, but otherwise the proof is elementary.
In this paper, we study a stability transfer theorem in d-tame Metric Abstract Elementary classes, in a similar way as in [BaKuVa], but using superstability-like assumptions which involves a new independence notion (Tame Independence) instead of $\aleph_0$-locality.
Let K be an Abstract Elementary Class. Under the asusmptions that K has a nicely behaved forking-like notion, regular types and existence of some prime models we establish a decomposition theorem for such classes. The decomposition implies a main gap result for the class K. The setting is general enough to cover \aleph_0-stable first-order theories (proved by Shelah in 1982), Excellent Classes of atomic models of a first order tehory (proved Grossberg and Hart 1987) and the class of submodels of a large sequentially homogenuus \aleph_0-stable model (which is new).
Shelah has provided sufficient conditions for an $L_{ω_1, ω}$-sentence $ψ$ to have arbitrarily large models and for a Morley-like theorem to hold of $ψ$. These conditions involve structural and set-theoretic assumptions on all the $\aleph_n$'s. Using tools of Boney, Shelah, and the second author, we give assumptions on $\aleph_0$ and $\aleph_1$ which suffice when $ψ$ is restricted to be universal: $\mathbf{Theorem}$ Assume $2^{\aleph_{0}} < 2 ^{\aleph_{1}}$. Let $ψ$ be a universal $L_{ω_{1}, ω}$-sentence. - If $ψ$ is categorical in $\aleph_{0}$ and $1 \leq I(ψ, \aleph_{1}) < 2 ^{\aleph_{1}}$, …
In this paper we prove that if k is a cardinal in L[0^#], then there is an inner model M such that M |= (V_k,E) has no elementary end extension. In particular if 0^# exists then weak compactness is never downwards absolute. We complement the result with a lemma stating that any cardinal greater than aleph_1 of uncountable cofinality in L[0^#] is Mahlo in every strict inner model of L[0^#].
We give a presentation theorem for continuous first-order logic and Metric Abstract Elementary classes in terms of $L_{ω_1, ω}$ and Abstract Elementary Classes, respectively. This presentation is accomplished by analyzing dense subsets that are closed under functions. We extend this correspondence to types and saturation.
We deal with stability theory for ``reasonable'' non-elementary classes without any remanents of compactness (like: above Hanf number or definable by L_{omega_1, omega}).
We study versions of limit models adapted to the context of *metric abstract elementary classes*. Under categoricity and superstability-like assumptions, we generalize some theorems from [GrVaVi]. We prove criteria for existence and uniqueness of limit models in the metric context.
In my PhD thesis a version of Shelah's Presentation Theorem in the setting of Metric Abstract Elementary Classes was proved, where we claimed that the new function symbols are not necessarily uniformly continuous. In this paper we provide a proof they are in fact uniformly continuous.
Grossberg and VanDieren have started a program to develop a stability theory for tame classes. We prove, for instance, that for tame abstract elementary classes satisfying the amlagamation property and for large enough cardinals kappa, stability in kappa implies stability in kappa^{+n} for each natural number n.
A study is carried out of the elementary theory of quotients of symmetric groups in a similar spirit to [Sh:24]. Apart from the trivial and alternating subgroups, the normal subgroups of the full symmetric group S(mu) on an infinite cardinal mu are all of the form S_kappa(mu)= the subgroup consisting of elements whose support has cardinality <kappa for some kappa <= mu^+. A many-sorted structure M_{kappa lambda mu} is defined which, it is shown, encapsulates the first order properties of the group S_lambda (mu)/S_kappa (mu). Specifically, these two structures are (uniformly) bi-interpretable, …
We introduce tame abstract elementary classes as a generalization of all cases of abstract elementary classes that are known to permit development of stability-like theory. In this paper we explore stability results in this context. We assume that $\K$ is a tame abstract elementary class satisfying the amalgamation property with no maximal model. The main results include: (1) Galois-stability above the Hanf number implies that κ(K) is less than the Hanf number. Where κ(K) is the parallel of \kapppa(T) for f.o. T. (2) We use (1) to construct Morley sequences (for non-splitting) improving previo…
We investigate categoricity of abstract elementary classes without any remnants of compactness (like non-definability of well ordering, existence of E.M. models or existence of large cardinals). We prove (assuming a weak version of GCH around lambda) that if K is categorical in lambda, lambda^+, LS(K) <= lambda and 1 <= I(lambda^{++},K)< 2^{lambda^{++}} then K has a model in lambda^{+++} .
We study notions of independence appropriate for a stability theory of metric abstract elementary classes (for short, MAECs). We build on previous notions used in the discrete case, and adapt definitions to the metric case. In particular, we study notions that behave well under superstability-like assumptions. Also, under uniqueness of limit models, we study domination, orthogonality and parallelism of Galois types in MAECs.
Let K be an abstract elementary classes which has arbitrarily large models and satisfies the amalgamation and joint embedding properties. Theorem 1. Suppose K is χ-tame. If K is categorical in some λ^+ >LS(K) then it is categorical in all μ\geq (λ+χ)^+. Theorem 2. If K is LS(K)-tame and is categorical both in LS(K) and in LS(K)^+ then K is categorical in all μ\geq LS(K).
In the setup of abstract elementary classes satisfying a local version of superstability, we prove the uniqueness property for $μ$-forking, a certain independence notion arising from splitting. This had been a longstanding technical difficulty when constructing forking-like notions in this setup. As an application, we show that the two versions of forking symmetry appearing in the literature (the one defined by Shelah for good frames and the one defined by VanDieren for splitting) are equivalent.
The results in this paper are in a context of abstract elementary classes identified by Shelah and Villaveces in which the amalgamation property is not assumed. The long-term goal is to solve Shelah's Categoricity Conjecture in this context. Here we tackle a problem of Shelah and Villaveces by proving that in their context, the uniqueness of limit models follows from categoricity under the assumption that the subclass of amalgamation bases is closed under unions of bounded, increasing chains.
Tame abstract elementary classes are a broad nonelementary framework for model theory that encompasses several examples of interest. In recent years, progress toward developing a classification theory for them have been made. Abstract independence relations such as Shelah's good frames have been found to be key objects. Several new categoricity transfers have been obtained. We survey these developments using the following result (due to the second author) as our guiding thread: $\mathbf{Theorem}$ If a universal class is categorical in cardinals of arbitrarily high cofinality, then it is catego…
In this paper we prove: Theorem 1. Let $\mathcal{K}$ be an abstract elementary class which satisfies the joint embedding and amalgamation properties. Suppose $λ>μ\geq LS(\mathcal{K})$ and $θ$ is a limit ordinal $<λ^+$. If $\mathcal{K}$ is $μ$ superstable and $μ^+$-superstable and satisfies $μ^+$-symmetry, then for any increasing sequence $\langle M_i\mid i<θ\rangle$ of $μ^+$-saturated models of cardinality $λ$, the model $\bigcup_{i<θ}M_i$ is $μ^+$-saturated.
The categoricity spectrum of a class of structures is the collection of cardinals in which the class has a single model up to isomorphism. Assuming that cardinal exponentiation is injective (a weakening of the generalized continuum hypothesis, GCH), we give a complete list of the possible categoricity spectrums of an abstract elementary class with amalgamation and arbitrarily large models. Specifically, the categoricity spectrum is either empty, an end segment starting below the Hanf number, or a closed interval consisting of finite successors of the Löwenheim-Skolem-Tarski number (there are e…
We give a syntactic characterization of abstract elementary classes (AECs) closed under intersections using a new logic with a quantifier for isomorphism types that we call structural logic: we prove that AECs with intersections correspond to classes of models of a universal theory in structural logic. This generalizes Tarski's syntactic characterization of universal classes. As a corollary, we obtain that any AEC with countable Löwenheim-Skolem number is axiomatizable in $\mathbb{L}_{\infty, ω} (Q)$, where $Q$ is the quantifier "there exists uncountably many".
Our main result (Theorem 1) suggests a possible dividing line ($μ$-superstable $+$ $μ$-symmetric) for abstract elementary classes without using extra set-theoretic assumptions or tameness. This theorem illuminates the structural side of such a dividing line. Theoerem 1: Let $\mathcal{K}$ be an abstract elementary class with no maximal models of cardinality $μ^+$ which satisfies the joint embedding and amalgamation properties. Suppose $μ\geq LS(\mathcal{K})$. If $\mathcal{K}$ is $μ$- and $μ^+$-superstable and satisfies $μ^+$-symmetry, then for any increasing sequence $\langle M_i\in\mathcal{K}_…
In this paper we address a problem posed by Shelah in 1999 to find a suitable notion for superstability for abstract elementary classes in which limit models of cardinality $μ$ are saturated. Theorem 1. Suppose that $\mathcal{K}$ is a $χ$-tame abstract elementary class with no maximal models satisfying the joint embedding property and the amalgamation property. Suppose $μ$ is a cardinal with $μ\geq\beth_{(2^{LS(\mathcal{K})+χ})^+}$. Let $M$ be a model of cardinality $μ$. If $\mathcal{K}$ is both $χ$-stable and $μ$-stable and satisfies the $μ$-superstability assumptions, then any two $μ$-limit …
We propose the notion of a quasiminimal abstract elementary class (AEC). This is an AEC satisfying four semantic conditions: countable Löwenheim-Skolem-Tarski number, existence of a prime model, closure under intersections, and uniqueness of the generic orbital type over every countable model. We exhibit a correspondence between Zilber's quasiminimal pregeometry classes and quasiminimal AECs: any quasiminimal pregeometry class induces a quasiminimal AEC (this was known), and for any quasiminimal AEC there is a natural functorial expansion that induces a quasiminimal pregeometry class. We show …
This paper is part of a program initiated by Saharon Shelah to extend the model theory of first order logic to the non-elementary setting of abstract elementary classes (AECs). An abstract elementary class is a semantic generalization of the class of models of a complete first order theory with the elementary substructure relation. We examine the symmetry property of splitting (previously isolated by the first author) in AECs with amalgamation that satisfy a local definition of superstability. The key results are a downward transfer of symmetry and a deduction of symmetry from failure of the o…
Starting from an abstract elementary class with no maximal models, Shelah and Villaveces have shown (assuming instances of diamond) that categoricity implies a superstability-like property for a certain independence relation called nonsplitting. We generalize their result as follows: given an abstract notion of independence for Galois (orbital) types over models, we derive that the notion satisfies a superstability property provided that the class is categorical and satisfies a weakening of amalgamation. This extends the Shelah-Villaveces result (the independence notion there was splitting) as…
Let K be an Abstract Elemenetary Class satisfying the amalgamation and the joint embedding property, let μbe the Hanf number of K. Suppose K is tame. MAIN COROLLARY: (ZFC) If K is categorical in a successor cardinal bigger than \beth_{(2^μ)^+} then K is categorical in all cardinals greater than \beth_{(2^μ)^+}. This is an improvment of a Theorem of Makkai and Shelah ([Sh285] who used a strongly compact cardinal for the same conclusion) and Shelah's downward categoricity theorem for AECs with amalgamation (from [Sh394]).
We show how to build primes models in classes of saturated models of abstract elementary classes (AECs) having a well-behaved independence relation: $\mathbf{Theorem.}$ Let $K$ be an almost fully good AEC that is categorical in $\text{LS} (K)$ and has the $\text{LS} (K)$-existence property for domination triples. For any $λ> \text{LS} (K)$, the class of Galois saturated models of $K$ of size $λ$ has prime models over every set of the form $M \cup \{a\}$. This generalizes an argument of Shelah, who proved the result when $λ$ is a successor cardinal.
Classification theory of elementary classes deals with first order (elementary) classes of structures (i.e. fixing a set T of first order sentences, we investigate the class of models of T with the elementary submodel notion). It tries to find dividing lines, prove their consequences, prove "structure theorems, positive theorems" on those in the "low side" (in particular stable and superstable theories), and prove "non-structure, complexity theorems" on the "high side". It has started with categoricity and number of non-isomorphic models. It is probably recognized as the central part of model …
We introduce a family of rank functions and related notions of total transcendence for Galois types in abstract elementary classes. We focus, in particular, on abstract elementary classes satisfying the condition know as tameness (currently suspected to be a necessary condition for the development of a reasonable classification theory) where the connections between stability and total transcendence are most evident. As a byproduct, we obtain a partial upward stability transfer result for tame abstract elementary classes stable in a cardinal lambda satisfying lambda^{aleph_0}, a substantial gen…
We introduce and study simple and supersimple independence relations in the context of AECs with a monster model. $Theorem$: Let $K$ be an AEC with a monster model. - If $K$ has a simple independence relation, then $K$ does not have the 2-tree property. - If $K$ has a simple independence relation with $(<\aleph_0)$-witness property, then $K$ does not have the tree property. The proof of both facts is done by finding cardinal bounds to classes of small Galois-types over a fixed model that are inconsistent for large subsets. We think this finer way of counting types is an interesting notion in i…
Based on Crapo's theory of one point extensions of combinatorial geometries, we find various classes of geometric lattices that behave very well from the point of view of stability theory. One of them, $(\mathbf{K}^3, \preccurlyeq)$, is $ω$-stable, it has a monster model and an independence calculus that satisfies all the usual properties of non-forking. On the other hand, these classes are rather unusual, e.g. in $(\mathbf{K}^3, \preccurlyeq)$ the Smoothness Axiom fails, and so $(\mathbf{K}^3, \preccurlyeq)$ is not an $\mathrm{AEC}$.
$\mathbf{Theorem.}$ Let $K$ be an abstract elementary class (AEC) with amalgamation and no maximal models. Let $λ> \text{LS} (K)$. If $K$ is categorical in $λ$, then the model of cardinality $λ$ is Galois-saturated. This answers a question asked independently by Baldwin and Shelah. We deduce several corollaries: $K$ has a unique limit model in each cardinal below $λ$, (when $λ$ is big-enough) $K$ is weakly tame below $λ$, and the thresholds of several existing categoricity transfers can be improved. We also prove a downward transfer of solvability (a version of superstability introduced by She…
We initiate a systematic investigation of the abstract elementary classes that have amalgamation, satisfy tameness (a locality property for orbital types), and are stable (in terms of the number of orbital types) in some cardinal. Assuming the singular cardinal hypothesis (SCH), we prove a full characterization of the (high-enough) stability cardinals, and connect the stability spectrum with the behavior of saturated models. We deduce (in ZFC) that if a class is stable on a tail of cardinals, then it has no long splitting chains (the converse is known). This indicates that there is a clear not…
Fisher [Fis75] and Baur [Bau75] showed independently in the seventies that if $T$ is a complete first-order theory extending the theory of modules, then the class of models of $T$ with pure embeddings is stable. In [Maz4, 2.12], it is asked if the same is true for any abstract elementary class $(K, \leq_p)$ such that $K$ is a class of modules and $\leq_p$ is the pure submodule relation. In this paper we give some instances where this is true: $\textbf{Theorem.}$ Assume $R$ is an associative ring with unity. Let $(K, \leq_p)$ be an AEC such that $K \subseteq R\text{-Mod}$ and $K$ is closed unde…
In this paper we examine the task set forth by Shelah and Villaveces in \cite{ShVi} of proving the uniqueness of limit models of cardinality $μ$ in $λ$-categorical abstract elementary classes with no maximal models, where $λ$ is some cardinal larger than $μ$. In \cite{Va} and \cite{Va-errata} we identified several gaps in the approach outlined in \cite{ShVi}, and we added the assumption that the union of an increasing chain of limit models is a limit model. Here we replace this assumption with the seemingly weaker statement that the union of an increasing and continuous chain of limit models i…
We show that the theory ZFC-, consisting of the usual axioms of ZFC but with the power set axiom removed-specifically axiomatized by extensionality, foundation, pairing, union, infinity, separation, replacement and the assertion that every set can be well-ordered-is weaker than commonly supposed and is inadequate to establish several basic facts often desired in its context. For example, there are models of ZFC- in which $ω_1$ is singular, in which every set of reals is countable, yet $ω_1$ exists, in which there are sets of reals of every size $\aleph_n$, but none of size $\aleph_ω$, and ther…
We develop a notion of forking for Galois-types in the context of Abstract Elementary Classes (AECs). Under the hypotheses that an AEC $K$ is tame, type-short, and failure of an order-property, we consider {\bf Definition.} Let $M_0 \prec N$ be models from $K$ and $A$ be a set. We say that the Galois-type of $A$ over $M$ \emph{does not fork over $M_0$} iff for all small $a \in A$ and all small $N^- \prec N$, we have that Galois-type of $a$ over $N^-$ is realized in $M_0$. Assuming property (E) (see Definition 3.3) we show that this non-forking is a well behaved notion of independence, in parti…
For $K$ an abstract elementary class with amalgamation and no maximal models, we show that categoricity in a high-enough cardinal implies structural properties such as the uniqueness of limit models and the existence of good frames. This improves several classical results of Shelah. $\mathbf{Theorem}$ Let $μ\ge \text{LS} (K)$. If $K$ is categorical in a $λ\ge \beth_{\left(2^μ\right)^+}$, then: 1) Whenever $M_0, M_1, M_2 \in K_μ$ are such that $M_1$ and $M_2$ are limit over $M_0$, we have $M_1 \cong_{M_0} M_2$. 2) If $μ> \text{LS} (K)$, the model of size $λ$ is $μ$-saturated. 3) If $μ\ge \beth_…
We study classes of right-angled Coxeter groups with respect to the strong submodel relation of parabolic subgroup. We show that the class of all right-angled Coxeter group is not smooth, and establish some general combinatorial criteria for such classes to be abstract elementary classes, for them to be finitary, and for them to be tame. We further prove two combinatorial conditions ensuring the strong rigidity of a right-angled Coxeter group of arbitrary rank. The combination of these results translate into a machinery to build concrete examples of $\mathrm{AECs}$ satisfying given model-theor…
We exhibit an equivalence between the model-theoretic framework of universal classes and the category-theoretic framework of locally multipresentable categories. We similarly give an equivalence between abstract elementary classes (AECs) admitting intersections and locally polypresentable categories. We use these results to shed light on Shelah's presentation theorem for AECs.
We show that the category of abstract elementary classes (AECs) and concrete functors is closed under constructions of "limit type," which generalizes the approach of Mariano, Zambrano and Villaveces away from the syntactically oriented framework of institutions. Moreover, we provide a broader view of this closure phenomenon, considering a variety of categories of accessible categories with additional structure, and relaxing the assumption that the morphisms be concrete functors.