English

Long limit models are isomorphic assuming a splitting-like relation

Logic 2025-11-25 v1

Abstract

We prove the uniqueness of high cofinality limit models in stable abstract elementary classes (AECs) with amalgamation, assuming the existence of a rather weak independence relation. Theorem.\textbf{Theorem.} Suppose K\mathbf{K} is a λ\lambda-stable AEC, where LS(K)λ\operatorname{LS}(\mathbf{K}) \leq \lambda, κ<λ+\kappa < \lambda^+ is regular, and Kλ\mathbf{K}_\lambda satisfies the amalgamation property. Let K\mathbf{K}' is the class of all (λ,δ)(\lambda, \delta)-limit models where cf(δ)κ\operatorname{cf}(\delta) \geq \kappa (or any AC where KKλ\mathbf{K}' \subseteq \mathbf{K}_\lambda contains all such (λ,δ)(\lambda, \delta)-limit models when cf(δ)κ\operatorname{cf}(\delta) \geq \kappa). Suppose also that there is an independence relation on K\mathbf{K}' satisfying weak uniqueness, weak existence, universal continuity* in Kλ\mathbf{K}_\lambda, (κ)(\geq \kappa)-local character, and (λ,θ)(\lambda, \theta)-weak non-forking amalgamation in some regular θ[κ,λ+)\theta \in [\kappa, \lambda^+). Let δ1,δ2<λ+\delta_1, \delta_2 < \lambda^+ be limit with cf(δl)κ\operatorname{cf}(\delta_l) \geq \kappa for l=1,2l = 1, 2. Then for all M,N1,N2KλM, N_1, N_2 \in \mathbf{K}_\lambda, if NlN_l is (λ,δl)(\lambda, \delta_l)-limit over MM for l=1,2l = 1, 2, then N1MN2N_1 \underset{M}{\cong} N_2. Moreover, if KλK_\lambda also satisfies the joint embedding property, then for all N1,N2KλN_1, N_2 \in \mathbf{K}_\lambda, if NlN_l is (λ,δl)(\lambda, \delta_l)-limit for l=1,2l = 1, 2, then N1N2N_1 {\cong} N_2. This generalises both Theorem 3.1 of arXiv:2503.11605 and Theorem 1.2 of arXiv:1508.04717 - the former to apply to independence relations that satisfy much weaker forms of uniqueness, extension, and non-forking amalagamation, and the latter to independence relations other than λ\lambda-non-splitting. As such, this generalises all other positive isomorphism results of limit models known to the author.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2511.18665,
  title  = {Long limit models are isomorphic assuming a splitting-like relation},
  author = {Jeremy Beard},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2511.18665},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

44 pages. Key words and phrases: Limit models; Abstract Elementary Classes; Stability; Towers

R2 v1 2026-07-01T07:51:19.095Z