Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
Tarski's theorem tells us that the set V of (code numbers of) first-order sentences of the language in arithmetic that are true in the standard interpretation is not arithmetically definable. In section 23.1 we show that this negative result is poised, so to speak, between two positive results. One is that for each n the set Vn of sentences of the language of arithmetic of degree of complexity n that are true in the standard interpretation is arithmetically definable (in a sense of degree of complexity to be made precise). The other is that the class {V} of sets of natural numbers whose one and only member is V is arithmetically definable (in a sense of arithmetical definability for classes to be made precise). In section 23.2 we take up the question whether the class of arithmetically definable sets of numbers is an arithmetically definable class of sets. The answer is negative, according to Addison's theorem. This result is perhaps most interesting on account of its method of proof, which is a comparatively simple application of the method of forcing originally devised to prove the independence of the continuum hypothesis in set theory (as alluded to in the historical notes to Chapter 18).
Arithmetical Definability and Truth
Throughout this chapter we use L and N for the language of arithmetic and its standard interpretation (previously called L* and N*), and V for the set of code numbers of first-order sentences of L ture in N.
To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure no-reply@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.