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Math 6000: Model Theory, Spring 2020


Lecture Topics


Date
What we discussed/How we spent our time
Jan 13
Syllabus. Text. HW. We discussed some definitions of "model theory", and introduced the symbols $\vdash$ and $\models$. I circulated this handout and this handout.
Jan 15
No meeting, reading assignment only: Please read Section 1.1. Try the following exercises. (No need to turn these in.)
Jan 17
We discussed exapmples of structure and described the alphabet for a language for structures of a given signature.
Jan 20
MLK, Jr Day.
Jan 22
We discussed predicates, terms, and first-order formulas. This handout includes some of the definitions and also some relevant exercises.
Jan 24
We defined $\mathbb A\models \varphi$.
Jan 27
We discussed the Galois connection between syntax and semantics, and defined the relation $\Sigma\models \sigma$.
Jan 29
We began a discussion of the completeness theorem for first-order logic.
Jan 31
We discussed the current HW assignment, including the definitions of ``elementary equivalence'' and ``definable relation''. Then we discussed the construction of ``expansion by constants''. Finally, explained why each consistent theory can be extended to a complete theory with witnesses.
Feb 3
We explained why any Henkin theory has a model.

We derived some corollaries from the completeness theorem: A theory is consistent iff it has a model. A theory is complete iff it is the theory of a single model (not uniquely determined, usually). A theory is complete and has witnesses iff it is the theory of a single model in which all elements are interpretations of constants. (Compactness) A theory is satisfiable iff each finite subset is satisfiable.

We showed how to use the compactness theorem to establish the existence of an elementary extension of the natural numbers that has an infinitely large element. We also showed how to use the compactness theorem to establish the existence of an elementary extension of the real numbers that has a positive infinitesimal.

Feb 5
We discussed ordinals and cardinals. Then we discussed how to estimate the number of different $L$-structures defined on a domain that is a given cardinal $\kappa$. We estimated this number up to equality and also up to isomorphism. We defined a language $L$ to be the set of formulas in some signature $S$; we discussed how to determine the cardinality of $L$; we denoted this cardinality by $\|L\|$. We outlined the argument that any consistent $L$-theory $T$ can be enlarged to a complete, consistent, theory $T'$, with witnesses, in a language $L'$ satisfying $\|L\| = \|L'\|$. Finally, we explained why a consistent $L$-theory has a model of cardinality $\leq \|L\|$.
Feb 7
Chapter 1 Roundup! (We rounded up some of the ideas that were stragglers.)

First we explained why ``finite'' is not elementary. Specifically, we discussed

  • There is a single first-order sentence $\sigma_{\textrm{card}= n}$ (or $\tau_{\textrm{card}\geq n}$) which is satisfied by an $L$-structure $\mathbb A$ iff $|A|=n$ (or $|A|\geq n$).
  • We can express ``$|A|\in \{m_1,\ldots,m_k\}$'' or ``$|A|\notin \{n_1,\ldots,n_{\ell}\}$'' with a single sentence.
  • We can express ``$|A|$ is infinite'' with a set of sentences (e.g., with $\Sigma_{\infty}$, taken to be either $\{\neg \sigma_{\textrm{card}= 0}, \neg \sigma_{\textrm{card}= 1},\ldots\}$ or with $\{\tau_{\textrm{card}\geq 0}, \tau_{\textrm{card}\geq 1},\ldots\}$).
  • There does not exist a set of sentences expressing which holds for an $L$-structure iff the structure is finite.
  • ${\bf Thm.}$ If $\{{\mathcal K}, {\mathcal K}'\}$ is a partition of the class of all $L$-structures into two, complementary, axiomatizable classes, then each of ${\mathcal K}$ and ${\mathcal K}'$ are finitely axiomatizable. (Equivalently, a theory has a complement in the lattice of $L$-theories iff it is finitely axiomatizable.)
  • ${\bf Thm.}$ Any theory with arbitrarily large finite models has an infinite model.
  • ${\bf Cor.}$ If the class of finite models of $T$ is elementary, then there is a finite $N$ such that every finite model of $T$ has size at most $N$.

    Second, we explained why relations definable (without parameters) are invariant under automorphisms. Specifically, we discussed

  • The definition of isomorphism and automorphism.
  • The fact that if $\alpha: \mathbb A\to \mathbb B$ is an isomorphism, then $\alpha$ induces a bijection $v\mapsto \alpha\circ v$ between the set of all valuations in $\mathbb A$ and the set of all valuations in $\mathbb B$.
  • If $\alpha: \mathbb A\to \mathbb B$ is an isomorphism, $t$ is a term, and $v: \textrm{Variables}\to A$ is a valuation in $\mathbb A$, then $\alpha(t^{\mathbb A}[v])=t^{\mathbb B}[\alpha\circ v]$.
  • If $\alpha: \mathbb A\to \mathbb B$ is an isomorphism, $\varphi$ is a formula, and $v: \textrm{Variables}\to A$ is a valuation in $\mathbb A$, then $\mathbb A\models \varphi[v]$ iff $\mathbb B\models \varphi[\alpha\circ v]$.
  • ${\bf Cor.}$ $\mathbb A\cong \mathbb B$ implies $\mathbb A\equiv \mathbb B$.
  • If $\alpha: \mathbb A\to \mathbb B$ is an isomorphism, $\varphi$ is a formula, $R:=\varphi[A]$ is the relation defined in $\mathbb A$ by $\varphi$, and $S:=\varphi[B]$ is the relation defined in $\mathbb B$ by $\varphi$, then $\alpha(R)=S$. In particular, if $\mathbb A=\mathbb B$ and $\alpha$ is an automorphism of $\mathbb A$, then the relation defined by $\varphi$ in $\mathbb A$ is invariant under $\alpha$.
  • In particular, if $\mathbb A$ is an infinite set in the language of equality, then the only definable unary relations are $\emptyset$ and $A$. They are definable since it is easy to define them, while no other subset of $A$ is definable since no other subset is invariant under all permutations (=automorphisms) of $\mathbb A$.
  • Feb 10
    We discussed the spectrum of complete $L$-theories, following this handout.
    Feb 12
    We proved that the space of complete $L$-theories is compact, Hausdorff and has a basis of clopen sets. We examined the space of theories of the language of equality. Our argument for showing that we had a complete description of this space involved the concept of $\kappa$-categorical theory.
    Feb 14
    We calculated the spectrum of the language with one unary relation. It is a countable space with Cantor-Bendixson rank 2. We discussed some background topology (separation axioms $T_i$, isolated and nonisolated points, Urysohn's Metrization Theorem, compact metric spaces are complete, Cantor derivative, the Cantor-Bendixson Theorem, Cantor-Bendixson rank, scattered spaces, perfect kernel, Brouwer's Theorem characterizing the Cantor space as the unique perfect Stone space with countable basis). We pointed out that the class of nonfinitely axiomatizable $L$-structures is an elementary class, but the class of finitely axiomatizable $L$-structures is not an elementary class.
    Feb 17
    We began to talk about convergence in topological spaces in terms of filters. Some concepts that were defined: neighborhood, filter, nhood filter, cofinite filter, finer/coarser filters, filter $\mathcal F$ converges to $p$ ($\mathcal F\to p$). We explained why the push-forward of a filter is a filter: If $a: I\to X$ is a function and $\mathcal F$ is a filter on $I$, then $a_*(\mathcal F) = \{U\subseteq A\;|\;a^{-1}(U)\in\mathcal F\}$ is a filter on $X$.
    Feb 19
    We discussed ultrafilters following these handouts: I and II. The most important elements of these handouts are (i) the definition of an ultrafilter, (ii) the fact that any collections of sets satisfying the FIP can be extended to an ultrafilter, and (iii) the topology of any compact Hausdorff space is completely determined by the ultrafilter limit operations. (In this way, the category of compact Hausdorff spaces may be thought of as a category of infinitary algebraic structures where the operations are the ultrafilter limit operations.)
    Feb 21
    We discussed this handout, which begins with the canonical factorization of a function $f=\iota\circ \overline{f}\circ n$, and continues through a sequence of basic definitions. We discussed
  • morphisms of structures,
  • the universal properties of images and coimages,
  • substructures and quotient structures,
  • kernels and congruences.
    We were interrupted by the bell while discussing the universal property of products.
  • Feb 24
    We discussed the construction of products and ultraproducts. We started discussing Los's Theorem.
    Feb 26
    We sampled the proof of Los's Theorem and discussed these exercises.
    Feb 28
    We proved the compactness theorem with ultraproducts. Using ultrapowers we found a structure elementarily equivalent to the ordered field $\mathbb R$ which has a positive infinitesimal. Using ultrapowers we found a structure elementarily equivalent to the well-ordered set $\omega$ which has a decreasing $\omega$-chain. We defined the diagonal embedding of $\mathbb A$ into any ultrapower, and asserted that the embedding is elementary. We introduced regular ultrafilters, explained why any infinite set supports a regular ultrafilter, and asserted that it is easy to control the size of an ultrapower over a regular ultrafilter.
    Mar 2
    We stated the Keisler-Shelah Isomorphism Theorem. We proved the Frayne-Morel-Scott Theorem about sizes of ultrapowers over regular ultrafilters. We pointed out why
  • Principal ultrafilters on infinite sets cannot be regular.
  • Nonprincipal ultrafilters on $\omega$ must be regular.
  • There exist regular ultrafilters on any infinite set.
  • There exist irregular ultrafilters on any uncountable set.
  • The diagonal map $\Delta: A\to \prod_{\mathcal U} A$ is always an injection. When $A$ is finite, it is also a bijection. In fact, it is a bijection exactly when $I$ cannot be partitioned into $\leq |A|$ measure zero sets.
  • Mar 4
    We discussed
  • The process of thinning the coordinate set of an ultraproduct (if $J\subseteq I$ and $J\in{\mathcal U}$, then $\prod_{\mathcal U} \mathbb A_i\cong \prod_{{\mathcal U}|_J} \mathbb A_i$).
  • The fact that the diagonal map $\Delta: \mathbb A\to \prod_{\mathcal U} \mathbb A$ is surjective iff ${\mathcal U}$ is closed under $\leq |A|$-fold intersections. We discussed the connection with measurable cardinals.
  • We defined the type of a tuple.
  • Mar 6
    We continued our discussion of types. At one point we mentioned that asserting that a structure realizes a type is the same as asserting that the structure satisfies a certain infinitary sentence.
    Mar 9
    We proved the Tarski-Vaught Test and the Downward Lowenheim-Skolem Theorem.
    Mar 11
    We proved the Upward L-S Theorem. We discussed Skolem's Paradox and its resolution. We proved the Los-Vaught Test for completeness. We also mentioned the ``iff version'' of the Los-Vaught Test: If $\kappa\geq \|L\|$, then $T$ is complete iff all models of $T$ of size $\kappa$ are elementarily equivalent. Finally, we mentioned that the Los-Vaught Test can be used to establish that $\textrm{ACF}_p$, $\textrm{DAG}$, and $\textrm{DLO}$ are complete.
    Mar 13
    We held our first remote meeting!

    During the meeting we outlined the proof that every algebraically closed field $\mathbb F$ of characteristic zero has the form $\overline{\mathbb Q(X)}$ where $X$ is a transcendence base for $\mathbb F$ over the prime subfield $\mathbb Q$. Moreover, $|\overline{\mathbb Q(X)}|=|X|+\omega$.

    This shows that the theory of algebraically closed fields of characteristic zero is $\kappa$-categorical for all uncountable $\kappa$, but is not $\omega$-categorical. It also shows that a complete first-order axiomatization of the field $\mathbb C$ of complex numbers is given by:

  • axioms defining fields,
  • axioms saying the characteristic is zero, and
  • axioms saying that the field is algebraically closed.

    Key points.

  • Mar 16
    Chapter 2 Roundup!

    We explained why DAG is uncountably categorical and why DLO is countably categorical. (The $\omega$-categoricity of the theory of dense linear orders without endpoints is called Cantor's Theorem.)

    The proof of $\omega$-categoricity of DLO was through a back and forth argument. We derived some corollaries from the result: The automorphism group of $\langle \mathbb Q; \leq \rangle$ acts transitively on $n$-tuples of the same order type, hence the order type of any $n$-tuple determines its elementary type. This also establishes that $\langle \mathbb Q; \leq \rangle$ has only finitely many $n$-types for every $n$.

    Key points.

  • Make sure to enumerate the domain and codomain before starting a back and forth argument.
  • The back and forth strategy for proving isomorphism of countable structures $A$ and $B$ relies on the idea that $A$ and $B$ should have $n$-tuples of the same type, and whenever $\bar{a}\in A^n, \bar{b}\in B^n$ have the same type we are able to extend these tuples to longer tuples of the same type: for all $c\in A$ there should exist $d\in B$ such that $\bar{a}c$ has the same type as $\bar{b}d$, and for all $d\in B$ there should exist $c\in A$ such that $\bar{a}c$ has the same type as $\bar{b}d$.
  • Mar 18
    We discussed quantifier elimination.
    Mar 20
    We finished the quantifier elimination handout. We defined model completeness.
    Mar 30
    We explained why the theory of $\mathbb R$ in the field language does not have quantifier elimination (since the subset of positive reals is definable in the field language, but not q.f.-definable since it is infinite and co-infinite). Nevertheless this theory is model complete (since $\mathbb R_{<}$ has q.e. and the relation $<$ has both a $\Sigma_1$ and a $\Pi_1$ definition in the field language). We ended by discussing a theorem which can be viewed as saying ``A theory has q.e. iff the type of a tuple in a model is determined by its q.f. part''.
    Apr 1
    We discussed this.
    Apr 3
    We discussed realizing types.
    Apr 6
    We discussed omitting types.
    Apr 8
    We finished the proof of the Omitting Types Theorem, and outlined the proof of the Craig Interpolation Theorem.
    Apr 10
    We derived the Robinson Joint Consistency Theorem from the Basic Interpolation Theorem, then discussed the Beth Definability Theorem.

    We then turned our attention to the project of understanding models of complete theories in a countable language in terms of the spaces $S_n(T)$. We proved the the Atomic Model Theorem.

    Apr 13
    We proved the uniqueness of atomic models and then began discussing saturated models.
    Apr 15
    We continued discussing saturated models.
    Apr 17
    We continued discussing saturated models.
    Apr 20
    We continued discussing saturated models.
    Apr 22
    We discussed $\omega$-categoricity.
    Apr 24
    We discussed the situation when $I(T,\aleph_0)$ is finite.
    Apr 27
    We discussed universal classes.
    Apr 27
    We discussed preservation theorems.