Dependence Logic in Pregeometries and $\omega$-Stable Theories

Abstract

We present a framework for studying the concept of independence in a general context covering database theory, algebra and model theory as special cases. We show that well-known axioms and rules of independence for making inferences concerning basic atomic independence statements are complete with respect to a variety of semantics. Our results show that the uses of independence concepts in as different areas as database theory, algebra and model theory, can be completely characterized by the same axioms. We also consider concepts related to independence, such as dependence.