Partially-elementary end extensions of countable models of set theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates the limitations of transferring theories to end extensions of countable models of set theory, showing that certain theories can be preserved in specific elementary end extensions using advanced techniques.

Contribution

It demonstrates the bounds of theory transfer in end extensions of models of set theory and introduces methods to control which theories are preserved.

Findings

Proper $ ext{Σ}_n$-elementary end extensions exist for models with certain theories.

Theories like $ ext{Π}_n$-Collection and $ ext{Π}_{n+1}$-Foundation influence the strength of end extensions.

The results connect model-theoretic properties with proof-theoretic strength of set theories.

Abstract

Let $\mathsf{KP}$ denote Kripke-Platek Set Theory and let $\mathsf{M}$ be the weak set theory obtained from $\mathsf{ZF}$ by removing the collection scheme, restricting separation to $\Delta_0$-formulae and adding an axiom asserting that every set is contained in a transitive set ($\mathsf{TCo}$). A result due to Kaufmann shows that every countable model, $\mathcal{M}$, of $\mathsf{KP}+\Pi_n\textsf{-Collection}$ has a proper $\Sigma_{n+1}$-elementary end extension. Here we show that there are limits to the amount of the theory of $\mathcal{M}$ that can be transferred to the end extensions that are guaranteed by Kaufmann's Theorem. Using admissible covers and the Barwise Compactness Theorem, we show that if $\mathcal{M}$ is a countable model $\mathsf{KP}+\Pi_n\textsf{-Collection}+\Sigma_{n+1}\textsf{-Foundation}$ and $T$ is a recursive theory that holds in $\mathcal{M}$, then there exists a proper $\Sigma_n$-elementary end extension of $\mathcal{M}$ that satisfies $T$. We use this result to show that the theory $\mathsf{M}+\Pi_n\textsf{-Collection}+\Pi_{n+1}\textsf{-Foundation}$ proves $\Sigma_{n+1}\textsf{-Separation}$.