Proper forcing and $L({\mathbb R})$

Abstract

We present two ways in which the model $L({\mathbb R})$ is canonical assuming the existence of large cardinals. We show that the theory of this model, with {\em ordinal} parameters, cannot be changed by small forcing; we show further that a set of ordinals in $V$ cannot be added to $L({\mathbb R})$ by small forcing. The large cardinal needed corresponds to the consistency strength of $AD^{L({\mathbb R})}$; roughly $ω$ Woodin cardinals.