The UCLA Logic Colloquium meets on alternate Fridays,
at 4 p.m., in MS 6221.
The Logic Colloquium Chair is
Artem Chernikov.
Here are links to the
UCLA Logic Center, the
Caltech-UCLA Logic Seminar, and the
Philosophy Colloquium.
Talks are listed here in reverse chronological order.
Friday May 22 2020 | ||||
15:00-15:50 (https://ucla.zoom.us/j/672060601) | Henry Towsner (University of Pennsylvania) | Removal and Amalgamation | ||
Abstract. (https://ucla.zoom.us/j/672060601)
The key step in the proof of the triangle removal lemma can be viewed as saying that we can identify a small number of edges in a graph as being the "exceptional" edges, and the remaining edges are sufficiently "representative of the neighborhood around them" that, if there are any triangles left, there must have been many triangles. This can be viewed as a amalgamation problem in the sense of model-theory: given types p(x,y), q(x,z), and r(y,z), each of which indicates that there is an edge between the vertices, when are the types p,q,r "large" in a way which guarantees that there are many (x,y,z) extending each of these types? The exceptional types can be characterized as the non-Lebesgue points - that is, the points which fail to satisfy the Lebesgue density theorem in the right measure space. We give a way to generalize this to types of higher arity and use this to prove a new generalization, an "ordered hypergraph removal lemma", extending the recent ordered graph removal lemma of Alon, Ben-Eliezer, and Fischer. | ||||
Friday Apr 10 2020 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (https://zoom.us/j/8244003061) | Matthew Foreman (UC Irvine) | Attacking Classical Problems in Dynamical Systems with Descriptive Set Theory | ||
Abstract. In his classical 1932 paper, von Neumann asked 3 questions: Can you classify the statistical behavior of differentiable systems? Are there systems where time-forward is not isomorphic to time-backward? Is every abstract statistical system isomorphic to a differentiable system? These questions can be addressed with some surprising consequences by embedding them in Polish Spaces. Indeed the tools answer other questions from the 60's and 70's such as the existence of diffeomorphisms with arbitrary Choquet simplexes of invariant measures. Moreover there are surprising analogues to Hilbert's 10th problem.
In a different category, building on work of Poincar\`{e}, Smale proposed classifying the \emph{qualitative} behavior of differentiable systems on compact manifolds. His 1967 paper explicitly argued that the equivalence relation of ``conjugacy up to homeomorphism" captures this notion and he proposes classifying it. Call this notion \emph{topological equivalence}. Very recent joint results with A. Gorodetski show: - The equivalence relation $E_0$ is Borel reducible to topological equivalence of diffeomorphisms of any smooth 2-manifold. - The equivalent relation of \emph{Graph Isomorphism} is Borel reducible to topological equivalence of diffeomorphisms of any smooth manifold of dimension 5 or above. As corollaries, none of the classical numerical invariants such as entropy, rates of growth of periodic points and so forth, can classify diffeomorphisms of 2-manifolds, and there is no Borel classification at all of diffeomorphisms of 5-manifolds. In the same 1967 paper Smale asks (in different language) whether there is a generic class that can be classified. This is still an open problem. Link to the talk: https://zoom.us/j/8244003061 | ||||
Friday Mar 13 2020 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Anand Pillay (University of Notre Dame) | CANCELLED | ||
Friday Feb 21 2020 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Jose G. Mijares (CalState LA) | Metrically Baire sets and the Ramsey Property | ||
Abstract. There exist topological Ramsey spaces admitting metric projections where every Baire set has the Ramsey property. Jointly with N. Dobrinen, we gave a characterization of such spaces, answering a question of S. Todocervic. In this talk, we will discuss the characterization and present some examples (see https://drive.google.com/open?id=1l35j19JP9B6-fskoSc4I91VLnV-XABxw for the references). | ||||
Friday Feb 14 2020 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Katrin Tent (University of Muenster) | Automorphism groups of order and tournament expansions | ||
Abstract. Introducing the notion of a stationary independence relation, Tent and Ziegler developed a framework for proving abstract simplicity of automorphism groups of a broad range of mathematical structures.
In current work with Calderoni and Kwiatkowska we are extending this to cover in particular order and tournament expansions of such structures and show that their automorphism groups are again simple groups. | ||||
Friday Feb 07 2020 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Natasha Dobrinen (University of Denver) | Strong coding trees and Ramsey theory on ultrahomogeneous structures | ||
Abstract. Strong coding trees were invented in order to solve the problem of whether or not the triangle-free Henson graph has analogues of Ramsey's theorem for colorings of finite triangle-free graphs. Since then, the method has been extended to handle all k-clique-free Henson graphs. Further, it has been useful for extending Ellentuck's infinite dimensional Ramsey theory to the rationals, and for extending the Galvin-Prikry theorem to the Rado graph. We will present some of the main ideas in these results, the history of the area, and some future directions. | ||||
Friday Jan 24 2020 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Aristotelis Panagiotopoulos (Caltech) | Definable (co)homology and classification of solenoids | ||
Abstract. We will develop a framework for enriching various classical invariants from algebraic topology with descriptive set-theoretic information. Applying these ideas to
Steenrod homology theory we get a new invariant for compact metrizable spaces up to homotopy equivalence which we call ``definable homology.'' Similarly we get a dual notion of ``definable cohomology'' for locally compact metrizable spaces by enriching the classical \v{C}ech cohomology theory. Our invariants are strictly finer than the original ones.
In particular, we will show that $n$-dimensional (co)solenoids are completely classified up to homeomorphism by their definable (co)homology. In the process, we will generalize Veli\v{c}kovi\'c's rigidity theorem for definable automorphisms of $\mathcal{P}(\omega)/\mathrm{fin}$, to the arbitrary quotient $G/N$, where $G$ is a locally pro-finite abelian group and $N$ is a countable dense subgroup of $G$, and we will develop some basic definable homological algebra.
This is a joint work with J. Bergfalk and M. Lupini. | ||||
Friday Jan 10 2020 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Rizos Sklinos (Stevens Institute of Technology) | Fields definable in the theory of nonabelian free groups | ||
Abstract. In this talk I will show that only finite fields are definable in the theory of nonabelian free groups. This is joint work with Ayala Byron. | ||||
Friday Nov 15 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Isaac Goldbring (UC Irvine) | The almost sure theory of finite metric spaces | ||
Abstract. In this talk, we show that the class of finite metric spaces (of diameter at most 1) has an almost sure theory in the following sense: for each sentence $\sigma$ in the language of metric spaces, there is a real number $r$ such that, for any $\epsilon>0$, for large enough finite metric spaces $X$, with high probability, the value of $\sigma$ in $X$ differs from $r$ by at most $\epsilon$. This almost-sure theory is in fact the theory of a particular metric space, which we call the almost-sure metric space AS, and which can be defined as the Fraisse limit of the class of all finite metric spaces with nontrivial distances in the interval [1/2,1].
This is joint work with Bradd Hart. | ||||
Friday Nov 01 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Pieter Spaas (UCLA) | Almost invariant sets and stable equivalence relations | ||
Abstract. We are interested in structural properties of countable ergodic, but non-strongly ergodic, equivalence relations. Firstly, we will discuss a question posed by Jones and Schmidt in the 80s. In particular, we will provide examples and non-examples of equivalence relations all of whose almost invariant sets come from a single hyperfinite quotient. Secondly, we will study stable equivalence relations, i.e. those that can be written as a direct product of some equivalence relation with the hyperfinite one. We will then show that the stabilization of any strongly ergodic equivalence relation admits a unique stable decomposition in a precise sense. | ||||
Friday Oct 18 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Mate Szabo (Université Paris 1 - Panthéon-Sorbonne) | Pepis' and Kalmár's Arguments Against Church's Thesis | ||
Abstract. In his famous paper, "An Unsolvable Problem of Elementary Number Theory," Alonzo Church (1936) identified the intuitive notion of effective calculability with the mathematically precise notion of recursiveness. This proposal, known as Church's Thesis, has been widely accepted. In this talk I consider two early arguments against it. Pepis criticized Church's Thesis already in 1937 in his dissertation and in a letter written to Church. I will display recently found documents showing Pepis's stance. The main focus of the talk will be László Kalmár's famous "An Argument Against the Plausibility of Church's Thesis" from 1959. As this paper is quite short, my aim will be to present Kalmár's argument and to fill in missing details based on his general philosophical thoughts on mathematics and his writings published on these issues in Hungarian. | ||||
Friday Oct 04 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Erik Walsberg (UC Irvine) | Expansions of $(\mathbb{R},<,+)$ | ||
Abstract. I will survey recent work on first order expansions of $(\mathbb{R},<,+)$. Time permitting, I will discuss connections to automata theory and $\mathrm{NIP}$. | ||||
Friday May 31 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Joshua Wiscons (Sacramento State) | Status of the classification of finite Morley rank actions with a high degree of generic transitivity | ||
Abstract. It became clear through work of Borovik and Cherlin in 2008 that the classification theory for groups of finite Morley rank (fMr) is sufficiently developed that general questions about permutation groups of fMr can be settled even though the classification itself remains incomplete. This is a particularly salient direction since the study of uncountably categorical theories is intertwined with binding groups of fMr (acting on realizations of types).
Borovik and Cherlin posed several motivating problems, many of which are centered around the notion of ``generic $n$-transitivity''. In this talk, we will discuss the status and implications of their conjecture that the only transitive and generically $(n+2)$-transitive group of fMr acting on a set of rank $n$ is $operatorname{PGL}_{n+1}$ acting naturally on projective $n$-space. Among other things, we will highlight a general approach to constructing a projective geometry in this context, and we will also illustrate how this conjecture is intertwined with minimal fMr representations of the finite symmetric groups. The talk will begin with a brief overview of the fMr landscape---knowledge of the advanced theory of groups of fMr will be not be required. | ||||
Friday May 17 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Rachid Atmai (Mira Costa College, Oceanside) | The search for definable counterexamples to the CH | ||
Abstract. We will talk about some partial results and methods which point in the direction of more definable counterexamples of the continuum hypothesis. The goal is to try to identify a canonical generic extension of L(R) in which Theta^L(R)>aleph_3, the axiom of choice holds and whose theory is set-forcing invariant in the presence of large cardinals. From the point of view of Woodin's Omega-logic, the idea behind this work is to identify axioms which mirror forcing axioms and which settle Sigma_2 truth of initial segments of V but under which there are definable counterexamples to CH. We will first review the context and motivation of this investigation and previous results. | ||||
Friday May 03 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Aristotelis Panagiotopoulos (Caltech) | Bernoulli shifts for Polish groups and a question of Kechris | ||
Abstract. The orbit equivalence relation of any continuous action of a Polish group $G$ has trivial Borel complexity if $G$ is compact. Similarly it is a theorem of A.S. Kechris that whenever a locally--compact Polish group acts continuously on a Polish space, the orbit equivalence relation of the action is essentially countable ---that is, Borel reducible to the orbit equivalence relation of an action of a countable group.
A.S. Kechris asked for ``inverses'' to these results: (1) does every non--compact Polish group admit a continuous action that is not concretely classifiable? (2) does
every non--locally--compact Polish group admit a continuous action that is not essentially countable?
Question (1) was positively answered by S. Solecki in a paper where he also answered question (2) for the special case where $G$ is the additive group of a separable Banach space. It is also resolved for the case where $G$ is an Abelian pro--countable group, by results of M. Malicki. In this talk I will present recent work on this problem, including a new dynamical proof of question (1) and a positive solution of question (2) in the case of non--Archimedean Polish groups. This is in joint work with J. Zielinski. | ||||
Friday Apr 19 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Todor Tsankov (University Paris 7) | A model-theoretic approach to ergodic theory | ||
Abstract. The main object of study of ergodic theory are the measure-preserving
actions of (countable) groups on probability spaces. I will discuss a
formalization of this setup in the framework of continuous logic and
explain how some important notions studied in ergodic theory have a
natural model-theoretic interpretation. This allows for some quick
proofs of known results as well as a new rigidity theorem for strongly
ergodic, distal actions. This is joint work with Tomas Ibarlucia. | ||||
Friday Mar 08 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Nadja Hempel (UCLA) | N-dependent groups and fields | ||
Abstract. NIP theories are the first class of the hierarchy of n-dependent structures. The random n-hypergraph is the canonical object which is n-dependent but not (n-1)-dependent. Thus the hierarchy is strict. But one might ask if there are any algebraic objects (groups, rings, fields) which are strictly n-dependent for every n?
We will start by introducing the n-dependent hierarchy and present all known results on n-dependent groups and fields. | ||||
Friday Feb 22 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Omer Mermelstein (University of Wisconsin - Madison) | Generic flat pregeometries | ||
Abstract. The property of "flatness" of a pregeometry (matroid) is best known in model theory as the device with which Hrushovski showed that his example refuting Zilber's conjecture does not interpret an infinite group. I will dedicate the first part of this talk to explaining what flatness is, how it should be thought of, and how closely it relates to hypergraphs and Hrushovski's construction method. In the second part, I will conjecture that the family of flat pregeometries associated to strongly minimal sets is model theoretically nice, and share some intermediate results. | ||||
Friday Feb 08 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Adam Day (Victoria University of Wellington) | Computability Theoretic Hierarchies of Real-valued Functions | ||
Abstract. In this talk I will review some fundamental concepts in computability theory and show how they can be applied to analyze the relative complexity of real-valued functions. I will review some old results that come from this analysis, in particular, the continuous degrees of Miller. Then I will introduce some new hierarchies that results from joint work with Downey and Westrick. One of these new hierarchies refines the Bourgain rank for Baire class 1 functions and allows a new way to extend this rank to all Baire measurable functions. | ||||
Friday Jan 25 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Lynn Scow (California State University, San Bernardino) | Transfer of the Ramsey property | ||
Abstract. For $L$-structures $B$, $C$ we use the notation ${C choose B}$ to denote the set of all substructures of $C$ isomorphic to $B$. We say that a countable, locally finite structure $I$ ordered
by a relation $<$ has RP (the Ramsey property) if for all $A_0, B_0 in textrm{age}(I)$ and integers $k geq 1$ there is some $C_0 in textrm{age}(I)$ such that
$C_0 rightarrow (B_0)^{A_0}_k$. In other words, for all functions $c: {C_0 choose A_0} rightarrow k$ there is some $B' subseteq C_0$, $B' cong B_0$ such that $c$ restricted to ${B' choose A_0}$ is a constant function. We will approach the question of when RP transfers from one countable structure to another, where these structures are in possibly different languages. We will look at universal algebraic and model theoretic criteria. | ||||
Friday Jan 11 2019 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Szymon Torunczyk (University of Warsaw) | Some applications of model theory in computer science | ||
Abstract. I will present a few basic applications of model theory in theoretical computer science, e.g. in verification, databases, and algorithms. I will also discuss some initial ideas employing (ideas from) stability theory to solve algorithmic problems concerning graphs. | ||||
Friday Nov 30 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Nick Ramsey (UCLA) | Kim-independence and NSOP1 theories | ||
Abstract. Shelah's work on saturation spectra, Hrushovski on PAC structures, and Cherlin-Hrushovski on quasi-finite structures gave the initial impetus for the development of simple theories. A general theory, which unified and explained these different lines of research, was developed by Kim and Pillay using the notion of non-forking independence, which in turn spawned a remarkably rich line of model-theoretic research. In my talk, we will describe a parallel theory for the broader class of NSOP1 theories centered around the notion of Kim-independence and the applications that this theory made possible. We will survey results in a series of papers joint with Artem Chernikov, Itay Kaplan, Alex Kruckman, and Saharon Shelah (though not all at once). | ||||
Friday Nov 16 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Lynn Scow (California State University, San Bernardino) | Transfer of the Ramsey property - CANCELLED | ||
Abstract. For $L$-structures $B$, $C$ we use the notation ${C choose B}$ to denote the set of all substructures of $C$ isomorphic to $B$. We say that a countable, locally finite structure $I$ ordered
by a relation $<$ has RP (the Ramsey property) if for all $A_0, B_0$ in age$(I)$ and integers $k geq 1$ there is some $C_0$ in age$(I)$ such that $C_0 rightarrow (B_0)^{A_0}_k$. In other words, for all functions $c: {C_0 choose A_0} rightarrow k$ there is some $B' subseteq C_0$, $B' cong B_0$ such that $c$ restricted to ${B' choose A_0}$ is a constant function.
We will approach the question of when RP transfers from one countable structure to another, where these structures are in possibly different languages. We will look at universal algebraic and model theoretic criteria. | ||||
Friday Nov 02 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Douglas Ulrich (UC Irvine) | Generalized Amalgamation and Chromatic Numbers | ||
Abstract. Let $T_{k+1, k}$ denote the theory of the k-ary, k+1-clique
free random hypergraph, for k >= 3. Malliaris and Shelah have famously
proven that $T_{k+1, k}$ is not below $T_{k'+1, k'}$ in Keisler's order,
whenever k+1 < k'; hence, Keisler's order has infinitely many classes. I
have since improved the combinatorics to obtain the same result whenever k < k', and I obtain model-theoretic upper and lower bounds for the relevant dividing lines detected by Keisler's order. These bounds correspond to various kinds of k-dimensional amalgamation properties.
The combinatorics involved is rather technical; however, the model-theoretic upper and lower bounds are not. I aim to introduce and motivate them; in particular, we will explore a connection between generalized amalgamation properties and the chromatic numbers of hypergraphs of partial types. It is open if the various k-dimensional amalgamation properties we introduce are equivalent. | ||||
Friday Oct 19 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Sam Buss (UC San Diego) | Bounded Arithmetic, Expanders, and Monotone Propositional Proofs | ||
Abstract. This talk discusses a new combinatorial proof of the existence of expander graphs, which can be carried out in the bounded arithmetic theory VNC$^1$ corresponding to alternating linear time. As an application, we prove that the monotone propositional sequent calculus polynomially simulates the full propositional sequent calculus. Prior to this, only a quasipolynomial simulation was known. Joint work with Valentine Kabanets, Antonina Kolokolova, and Michal Koucky. | ||||
Friday Oct 05 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Byunghan Kim (Yonsei University, Seoul) | On the number of countable NSOP$_1$ theories without weight $omega$. | ||
Abstract. Lachlan's problem is asking whether any countable theory $T$ with $1<I(omega, T)$=the no. of countable models of $T<omega$ must have the strict order property. It is not fully answered yet, but Lachlan himself in 70s proved that such $T$ is non-superstable. The result is extended by me in 90s to non-supersimple $T$. Now I extend it further in NSOP$_1$ theory context.
Theorem: If $T$ is NSOP$_1$ with nonforking existence, then $1<I(omega, T)<omega$ implies that there must be a finite tuple whose own preweight is $omega$. The proof of the theorem relies on recent exciting developments on NSOP$_1$ theories initiated by I. Kaplan and N. Ramsey for models, and continued for sets in a joint work with J. Dobrowolski and N. Ramsey. | ||||
Friday Jun 08 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Omer Ben-Neria (UCLA) | Ordinal Definable Sets and Singular Cardinals | ||
Abstract. The extent to which ordinal definable sets can capture essential information about the universe V has been extensively studied in the last few years.
One main line of study in this vein has been initiated by Shelah, who proved that for every singular strong limit cardinal k of uncountable cofinality, there exists a single subset x of k such that the ordinal definable class HOD(x) (consisting of sets which are hereditarily definable in ordinals and x) contains all other subsets of k. The theorem does not address cardinals k of countable cofinality and it is natural to ask whether Shelah's approximation result can be extended to all strong limit singular cardinals. In 2016, James Cummings, Sy Friedman, Menachem Magidor, Assaf Rinot, and Dima Sinapova, have established the failure of a version of Shelah's theorem for cardinals k of countable cofinality. The purpose of the talk is to discuss the consistency strength of this result and described new consistency bounds. This is a joint work with Moti Gitik, Itay Neeman, and Spencer Unger. | ||||
Friday May 25 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Martin Zeman (UC Irvine) | TBA | ||
Abstract. TBA | ||||
Friday Apr 20 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Martin Ziegler (University of Freiburg) | Equationality of pairs of algebraically closed sets. | ||
Abstract. (This is joint work with Martin Pizarro). We prove
the equationality of the theory of pairs of algbraically closed fields by exhibiting a nice set of equations. We do no know if these equations have the DCC outside characteristic 0. | ||||
Friday Mar 16 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Asger Törnquist (University of Copenhagen) | What happened to mad families? | ||
Abstract. I will give an overview of the many developments in the
descriptive set theory of maximal almost disjoint ("mad") families
(and their cousins, maximal eventually different families and maximal
cofinitary groups) that have happened in the last 5 years. | ||||
Friday Mar 09 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Philip Welch (University of Bristol) | Recursions of higher types and low levels of determinacy | ||
Abstract. We explore how generalisations of Kleene's theory of recursion in type 2 objects (which can be used to characterise complete $Pi^1_1$ sets and open determinacy) can be lifted to $Sigma^0_3$-Determinacy. The generalisation requires the use of so-called infinite time Turing machines, and the levels of the Gödel constructible hierarchy needed to see that such machines models produce an output are, perhaps surprisingly, intimately connected with those needed to prove the existence of such strategies: the generalised halting problem has the same informational content as a listing of the $Sigma^0_3 $-games won by Player I. The subsystem of analysis needed for this work is $Pi^1_3$-$mathsf{CA_0}$. | ||||
Friday Feb 16 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Matthew Foreman (UCI) | Goedel's Diffeomorphisms | ||
Abstract. In 1932 von Neumann proposed classifying the statistical behavior of diffeomorphisms of compact manifolds. In modern language this means classifying up to conjugacy by measure preserving transformations. Von Neumann's question resulted in an enormous literature, with partial solutions involving invariants such as entropy, spectrum and several other properties.
In this talk we show that the general problem is impossible in the sense that no countable protocol, using arbitrary countable resources can solve it. Thus concrete methods such as spectral theory or entropy have no chance of succeeding-any classification must involve a some tool such as the uncountable axiom of choice. Precisely, we show: {(S,T): S and T are conjugate ergodic diffeomorphisms of the 2-torus} is NOT a Borel set in the C-infinity topology on pairs of diffeomorphism. For dessert, we give an example of a recursive diffeomorphism T such that the statement "T is isomorphic to its inverse" is independent of ZFC (and an S such that S being isomorphic to its inverse is independent of "ZFC + there is a supercompact cardinal" and so forth). This is joint work with Benjy Weiss and Hans Gaebler. | ||||
Friday Feb 02 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Raphaël Carroy (University of Vienna) | Projective homogeneous spaces and Wadge theory | ||
Abstract. Fons van Engelen used the description of Wadge degrees of Borel sets to analyze Borel homogeneous spaces. I will explain the first steps we have made with Andrea Medini and Sandra Müller towards the generalization of van Engelen's results in the projective hierarchy. | ||||
Friday Jan 19 2018 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Sean Walsh (UCLA) | The Constructible Universe, the Naive Conception, and Intensional Logic | ||
Abstract. This talk looks at the relationship between three foundational systems: Goedel's Constructible Universe of Sets, the naive conception of set found in consistent fragments of Frege's Grundgesetze, and the intensional logic of Church's Logic of Sense and Denotation. One basic result shows how to use the constructible sets to build models of fragments of Frege's Grundgesetze from which one can recover these very constructible sets using Frege's definition of membership. This result also allows us to solve the related consistency problem and joint consistency problems for abstraction principles with limited amounts of comprehension. Another basic aim of this talk is to show how to "factor" this result via a consistent fragment of Church's Logic of Sense and Denotation: so one may use the constructible sets to build models of Church's Logic of Sense and Denotation, from which one may then define models of the consistent fragments of Frege's Grundgesetze. This talk is based on [1]-[3].
[1] S. Walsh. Fragments of Frege's Grundgesetze and Goedel's constructible universe. The Journal of Symbolic Logic, 81(2):605-628, 2016. [2] S. Walsh. Predicativity, the Russell-Myhill paradox, and Church's intensional logic. The Journal of Philosophical Logic, 45(3):277-326, 2016. [3] S. Walsh. The strength of abstraction with predicative comprehension. The Bulletin of Symbolic Logic, 22(1):105-120, 2016. | ||||
Friday Dec 08 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Jindrich Zapletal (University of Florida) | Hypergraphs and proper forcing | ||
Abstract. Given a countable family G of analytic hypergraphs on a Polish space X, one can form the sigma-ideal generated by Borel sets which are anticliques in at least one hypergraph in the family G. One can also form the quotient forcing P(G) of Borel sets modulo the sigma ideal. It turns out that in large classes of cases, the quotient forcing is proper, and simple combinatorial properties of the hypergraph family G translate into forcing properties of the quotient poset P(G). Various dichotomies lead to partial classification of posets obtained from restrictive classes of hypergraphs. The machinery allows for simple computation of the iteration and product ideal in terms of the hypergraphs, which in turn leads to overwhelmingly simple proofs of various preservation theorems. | ||||
Friday Nov 17 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Allen Gehret (UCLA) | A tale of two Liouville closures... | ||
Abstract. $H$-fields are ordered differential fields which serve as an abstract generalization of both Hardy fields (ordered differential fields of germs of real-valued functions at $+\infty$) and transseries (ordered valued differential fields such as $\mathbb{T}$ and $\mathbb{T}_{\log}$). A Liouville closure of an $H$-field $K$ is a minimal real-closed $H$-field extension of $K$ that is closed under integration and exponential integration. In 2002, Lou van den Dries and Matthias Aschenbrenner proved that every $H$-field $K$ has exactly one, or exactly two, Liouville closures, up to isomorphism over $K$. Recently (in arxiv.org/abs/1608.00997), I was able to determine the precise dividing line of this dichotomy. It involves a technical property of $H$-fields called $\lambda$-freeness. In this talk, I will review the 2002 result of van den Dries and Aschenbrenner and discuss my recent contribution. | ||||
Friday Nov 03 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Howard Becker (Caltech) | Ancient Set Theory | ||
Abstract. We consider a 1903 theorem of G. H. Hardy and a more recent question of Peter Nyikos regarding its converse. We answer that question by producing a forcing model of (ZF + there exists an uncountable wellorderable set of reals + omega_1 is regular + there does not exist a ladder system). | ||||
Friday Oct 20 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Aristotelis Panagiotopoulos (Caltech) | Games orbits play | ||
Abstract. Classification problems occur in all areas of mathematics. Descriptive set theory provides methods to assign complexity to such problems. Using a technique developed by Hjorth, Kechris and Sofronidis proved, for example, that the problem of classifying all unitary operators $\mathcal{U}(\mathcal{H})$ of an infinite dimensional Hilbert space up to unitary equivalence $\simeq_U$ is strictly more difficult than classifying graph structures with domain $\mathbb{N}$ up to isomorphism.
We present a game--theoretic approach to anti--classification results
for orbit equivalence relations and use this development to reorganize conceptually the proof of Hjorth's turbulence theorem. We also introduce a dynamical criterion for showing that an orbit equivalence relation is not Borel reducible to the orbit equivalence relation induced by a CLI group action; that is, a group which admits a complete left invariant metric (recall that, by a result of Hjorth and Solecki, solvable groups are CLI). We deduce that $\simeq_U$ is not classifiable by CLI group actions.
This is a joint work with Martino Lupini. | ||||
Friday Oct 06 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Gabriel Conant (Notre Dame) | On tame expansions of the group of integers | ||
Abstract. I will present results on expansions of the additive group of integers which satisfy certain model theoretic notions of tameness, including stability, simplicity, and dp-minimality. The focus will be on how these model theoretic notions control the combinatorial and number theoretic properties of definable sets. | ||||
Friday Jun 02 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Jana Marikova (WIU) | Residue field domination and independence in real closed valued fields | ||
Abstract. Valuations yield a way of understanding (an expansion of) a field in terms of two, often simpler, associated structures, namely its residue field and value group. Here, we consider real closed valued fields, i.e. real closed fields with a valuation determined by a convex subring. We discuss how the types in such a structure are determined by the residue field and value group, and what this implies for notions of independence in this structure.
This is joint work with C. F. Ealy and D. Haskell. | ||||
Friday May 19 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | John Steel (UC Berkeley) | Absolutely ordinal definable sets | ||
Abstract. We describe some recent work
concerning the hereditarily ordinal definable sets
in models M of the Axiom of Determinacy. Under a
natural iterability hypothesis, HOD^M admits a fine
structural analysis, and hence, for example, satisfies
the GCH. Underlying this fine structural analysis
is a general
comparison theorem for iteration strategies. | ||||
Friday May 05 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Scott Cramer (CSUSB) | Woodin's AD-conjecture for I0 | ||
Abstract. We will discuss Woodin's AD-conjecture, which gives a deep
relationship between very large cardinals and determined sets of reals. In particular we will show that the AD-conjecture holds for the axiom I0 and that there are many interesting consequences of this fact. We will also discuss variations of the AD-conjecture and their consequences, including generic absoluteness properties for I0. | ||||
Friday Apr 21 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6627) | Yann Pequignot (UCLA) | Pi^1_2 sets and countable Borel chromatic numbers | ||
Abstract. Analytic sets enjoy a classical representation theorem based on wellfounded relations. I will explain a similar representation theorem for Pi^1_2 sets due to Marcone. This can be used to answer negatively the primary outstanding question from (Kechris, Solecki and Todorcevic; 1999): the shift graph is not minimal among the graphs of Borel functions which have infinite Borel chromatic number. | ||||
Friday Mar 03 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Isaac Goldbring (UCI) | The model-theoretic content of a result of Junge and Pisier | ||
Abstract. An operator space is a norm closed linear subspace of the Banach space B(H) of bounded linear operators on a Hilbert space. For reasons that will be explained in this talk, operator spaces are the noncommutative analogs of Banach spaces. A fundamental result of Junge and Pisier shows that there are many more operator spaces than there are Banach spaces in a way to be made precise in the talk. I will explain the model-theoretic content of their result. Most of my contributions mentioned in this talk represent joint work with Thomas Sinclair. | ||||
Friday Feb 24 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6221) | Caroline Terry (University of Maryland, College Park) | VC_n-dimension and a jump in the speed of a hereditary property | ||
Abstract. A hereditary graph property is a class of finite graphs closed under isomorphism and induced subgraphs. Given a hereditary graph property H, the speed of H is the function which sends n to the number of distinct elements in H with underlying set 1,..., n. There are many wonderful results from combinatorics concerning what functions can occur as speeds of hereditary graph properties. These results show there are discrete "jumps" in the possible speeds of hereditary graph properties. In this talk we use VC_n-dimension, a generalization of VC-dimension, to extend one of these results to the setting of arbitrary finite relational languages. In particular, we show that bounded VC_n-dimension characterizes the gap between the fastest and penultimate speeds. | ||||
Friday Feb 10 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6627) | Jack Lutz (Iowa State University) | Algorithmic Dimensions and Fractal Geometry | ||
Abstract. This talk will review the $\Sigma^0_1$ notions of algorithmic information and dimension and survey very recent applications of these to classical (non-algorithmic) questions in fractal geometry. These applications include N. Lutz and D. Stull's strengthened lower bounds on the dimensions of generalized Furstenberg sets and N. Lutz's extension of the fractal intersection formulas in Euclidean space from Borel sets to arbitrary sets. | ||||
Friday Jan 20 2017 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6627) | Nam Trang (UCI) | Compactness of $omega_1$. | ||
Abstract. We investigate various aspects of compactness of omega_1 under ZF + DC (the Axiom of Dependent Choice). We say that omega_1 is X-supercompact if there is a normal, fine, countably complete nonprincipal measure on powerset_{omega_1}(X) (in the sense of Solovay). We say omega_1 is X-strongly compact if there is a fine, countably complete nonprincipal measure on powerset_{omega_1}(X). A long-standing open question in set theory asks whether (under ZFC) "supercompactness" can be equiconsistent with "strong compactness. We ask the same question under ZF+DC. More specifically, we discuss whether the theories "omega_1 is X-supercompact" and "omega_1 is X-strongly compact" can be equiconsistent for various X. The global question is still open but we show that the local version of the question is false for various X. We also discuss various results in constructing and analyzing canonical models of AD^+ + omega_1 is X-supercompact. | ||||
Friday Nov 18 2016 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6627) | Martino Lupini (Caltech) | Borel complexity and C*-dynamics | ||
Abstract. I will present a logician-friendly overview of the classification problem for group actions on C*-algebras from the perspective of Borel complexity theory, including joint works with Gardella, Kerr, and Phillips. | ||||
Friday Nov 04 2016 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6627) | Nadja Hempel (UCLA) | Finding definable envelopes of subgroups | ||
Abstract. The core question of this talk is: Given a group G and an arbitrary subgroup H which is abelian, nilpotent or solvable, can one find a definable envelope of H, that is a definable subgroup of G containing H with the same or similar algebraic properties. In the past decades there has been remarkable progress on groups fulfilling model theoretic properties as well as on groups satisfying certain chain conditions on centralizers (Mc-groups) which will ensure the existence of definable envelopes. We briefly present the work in stable, simple, and NIP theories as well as Mc-groups. In the end of this talk we generalize these results to groups which merely satisfies the same chain condition on centralizers as groups definable in simple theories as well as NTP2 theories. | ||||
Friday Oct 28 2016 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6627) | Andre Nies (University of Auckland) | Randomness and K-triviality | ||
Abstract. Let K(x) denote the prefix-free Kolmogorov complexity of a finite bit string x. A string is incompressible (random) if the value of K(x) is at least its length minus a constant. An infinite bit sequence (real) is random in the sense of Martin-Löf (ML) iff each of its initial segments is incompressible (for the same constant). In the first part of the talk we characterise randomness of a real in terms of effective analysis and ergodic theory.
The K-trivial bit sequences are antirandom in the sense that the initial segment complexity in terms of K grows as slowly as possible. Since 2002, many alternative characterisations of this class have been found: properties such as low for ML-randomness, and basis for ML-randomness, which state in one way or the other that the sequence is close to computable. Initially the class looked quite amorphous. More recently, internal structure has been found. Bienvenu, Greenberg, Kucera, N., and Turetsky (JEMS 2016) showed that there is a ``smart" K-trivial set, in the sense that any ML-random computing it must compute all K-trivials. Greenberg, Miller and N. (submitted) showed that there is a dense hierarchy of subclasses. Even more recent results with Turetsky combine the two approaches using cost functions. | ||||
Friday Oct 07 2016 | ||||
16:00-16:50 (MS 6627) | Joel Nagloo (Bronx Community College, CUNY) | Model theory and Classical Differential equations | ||
Abstract. The study of differential fields using model theory has a long and rich history. The theory of differentially closed fields of characteristic 0, $DCF_0$, has been studied intensively and has played an important role in the development of geometric stability theory. Furthermore, many new results in number theory and differential Galois theory have been obtained using the model theoretic approach to differential algebra.
Nevertheless, only very recently has the techniques from geometric stability been used to study well-known differential equations. In this talk we highlight some of the contributions of logic, via model theory, to the classification and study of the classical Painlev\'e and Schwarzian equations. |
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