Some applications of the ultrapower theorem to the theory of compacta

The ultrapower theorem of Keisler-Shelah allows such model-theoretic notions as elementary equivalence, elementary embedding and existential embedding to be couched in the language of categories (limits, morphism diagrams). This in turn allows analogs of these (and related) notions to be transported into unusual settings, chiefly those of Banach spaces and of compacta. Our interest here is the enrichment of the theory of compacta, especially the theory of continua, brought about by the immigration of model-theoretic ideas and techniques

Some Applications of the Ultrapower Theorem to the Theory of Compacta

The ultrapower theorem of Keisler and Shelah allows such model-theoretic notions as elementary equivalence, elementary embedding and existential embedding to be couched in the language of categories (limits, morphism diagrams). This in turn allows analogs of these (and related) notions to be transported into unusual settings, chiefly those of Banach spaces and of compacta. Our interest here is the enrichment of the theory of compacta, especially the theory of continua, brought about by the importation of model-theoretic ideas and techniques

Generalized Indiscernibles as Model-complete Theories

We give an almost entirely model-theoretic account of both Ramsey classes of finite structures and of generalized indiscernibles as studied in special cases in (for example) [7], [9]. We understand "theories of indiscernibles" to be special kinds of companionable theories of finite structures, and much of the work in our arguments is carried in the context of the model-companion. Among other things, this approach allows us to prove that the companion of a theory of indiscernibles whose "base" consists of the quantifier-free formulas is necessarily the theory of the Fraisse limit of a Fraisse class of linearly ordered finite structures (where the linear order will be at least quantifier-free definable). We also provide streamlined arguments for the result of [6] identifying extremely amenable groups with the automorphism groups of limits of Ramsey classes.Comment: 21 page

On theories of random variables

We study theories of spaces of random variables: first, we consider random variables with values in the interval $[0,1]$, then with values in an arbitrary metric structure, generalising Keisler's randomisation of classical structures. We prove preservation and non-preservation results for model theoretic properties under this construction: i) The randomisation of a stable structure is stable. ii) The randomisation of a simple unstable structure is not simple. We also prove that in the randomised structure, every type is a Lascar type

On perturbations of Hilbert spaces and probability algebras with a generic automorphism

International audienceWe prove that $IHS_A$, the theory of infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces equipped with a generic automorphism, is $\aleph_0$-stable up to perturbation of the automorphism, and admits prime models up to perturbation over any set. Similarly, $APr_A$, the theory of atomless probability algebras equipped with a generic automorphism is $\aleph_0$-stable up to perturbation. However, not allowing perturbation it is not even superstable

Generic separable metric structures

We compare three notions of genericity of separable metric structures. Our analysis provides a general model theoretic technique of showing that structures are generic in descriptive set theoretic (topological) sense and in measure theoretic sense. In particular, it gives a new perspective on Vershik's theorems on genericity and randomness of Urysohn's space among separable metric spaces