L and inaccessibles as models of ZFC

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the constructible universe L as a model of ZFC (Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with the Axiom of Choice) and the implications of inaccessibles within this framework. Participants explore the definitions and relationships between L, inaccessible cardinals, and minimal models, raising questions about the nature of these constructs.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that L is the minimal model for ZFC, but questions how L can be minimal if it contains an inaccessible cardinal that seems to suggest a smaller model exists.
  • Another participant suggests that L should be considered a minimal inner model of ZFC, implying that L_k, a subset of L, does not contain all ordinals and thus does not challenge L's minimality.
  • A later reply proposes that the definition of minimality might need clarification, suggesting that L is minimal among models containing the ordinals that L contains.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the correct notation for models, indicating that should be used instead of , which alters the understanding of the minimal model concept.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the implications of these definitions and whether L is indeed the minimal model or merely a minimal inner model.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether L is the minimal model of ZFC or merely a minimal inner model. Multiple viewpoints regarding the definitions and implications of these models remain contested.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the definitions of minimal models and inner models, as well as the implications of the presence of inaccessible cardinals within L. The discussion highlights the complexity of these concepts and the need for precise definitions.

nomadreid
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Three facts:

(1)The constructible universe L is the minimal model for ZFC;

(2) L is a model of "there exists an inaccessible cardinal \kappa"; and

(3) if V=L, an inaccessible cardinal \kappa with the membership relation \epsilon is a model of ZFC.

So, what is confusing me is: if the universe of L contains\kappa ^{L} , then how can L be the minimal model? Wouldn't <\kappa,\epsilon>" be a model that is smaller?

P.S. Why are my Greek letters all getting superscripted? I only asked for L in (3) to be superscripted.
 
Last edited:
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Use instead of for latex inlined in a paragraph.
 
Thanks, Hurkyl. I wanted to try that, but in the Quick Reply mode, the list of LaTex is no longer there. I don't know how to access it in Quick Reply. When I did have it in posting the first time, I have my list of LaTex symbols to the side, and I just click on a symbol. The then appears automatically. In order to change this to , is it sufficient just to type in the &amp;quot;i&amp;quot; into the brackets provided to me by the automatic function?&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; Back to the original question: my point #3 should have read&lt;br /&gt; &amp;quot;L_k with the epsilon function is a model of ZFC. Since L_k is a subset of L, why isn&amp;#039;t &amp;lt;L_k, epsilon&amp;gt; minimal, not &amp;lt;L, epsilon&amp;gt;?&amp;quot; &lt;br /&gt; A possible explanation is that the statement that (1) should read not &amp;quot;L is a minimal model of ZFC&amp;quot;, but &amp;quot;L is a minimal inner model of ZFC&amp;quot;, and that &amp;quot;L_k&amp;quot; does not contain all the ordinals. Is this correct?
 
Yes, you only need to insert the i. You can even remove the superfluous closing/opening tag between adjacent latex symbols.


Are you sure you have the details right? e.g. should fact (1) be something like "L is minimal among all models containing the ordinals that L contains"?
 
Hurkyl, thanks. First, for the LaTex hint.

Now, for the mathematics: More exactly, (1) is
(1') Given a model <M, \epsilon ,...> of ZFC , then there exists a model <N,\epsilon_{M} ,...> which is a model of ZFC such that N is a subclass of M and N contains all the ordinals of M. Since <V,\epsilon ,...> is a model of ZFC, this means that there is a minimal model which contains all the ordinals. Before going on, I should also mention that (3) should have been <L_{\kappa} , \epsilon>, not < \kappa,\epsilon>, which changes things. So, it appears to me that the solution is that < L, \epsilon> is the minimal inner model (that is, containing all ordinals), but not the minimal model (since L_L_{\kappa} is a proper subclass of L). However, any confirmation of this would be appreciated.

P.S. For some reason I can't get the subscripts. But I will keep trying.
 
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