Simplicity theory

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

This is an advanced topics course in model theory whose main theme is simple theories. We treat simple theories in the framework of compact abstract theories, which is more general than that of first order theories. We cover the basic properties of independence (i.e., non-dividing) in simple theories, the characterisation of simple theories by the existence of a notion of independence, and hyperimaginary canonical bases.

Other topics covered include stability as a special case of simplicity, adding a generic automorphism to a stable first order theory, definable groups in simple theories and lovely pairs.

The Topics in detail are listed below:

A basic graduate course in model theory (18.575 or equivalent).

The course grades will be based on general participation and lectures given by the students.

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