A Counterexample to the Stable Forking Conjecture
The paper constructs a simple theory in which forking cannot always be witnessed by a stable formula. Precisely, what fails is: in a simple theory, if then there is forking over whose parameter-free form is stable. The counterexample is an infinite-dimensional vector space over the division ring of fractions of the quantum graph algebra of the random graph. Forking is characterised by an abstract independence relation, and the random graph is encoded into that relation so that it has the order property; stable formulas therefore cannot determine all forking in simple theories.
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Occurred: Aug 31, 2026
Delta type: SOURCE CLAIM
Assumptions: VibeMathed verification: unreviewed. Publication: preprint. AI contribution: ai-co-developed. VibeMathed editorial classifications, scores, notes, relations, and dataset structure are CC BY 4.0. Source statements and linked content retain their own rights.
Canonical aliases: A Counterexample to the Stable Forking Conjecture · Stable Forking Conjecture
Confidence: Not scored
Registry verification: unreviewed · preprint · resolved
Attribution
VibeMathed
registry · event recorded by
GPT 5.6 Sol
model · ai model contributor · OpenAI
James Freitag; Scott Mutchnik
human · human collaborator
Lineage and corrections
VibeMathed record: A Counterexample to the Stable Forking Conjecture evidence for this event
A Counterexample to the Stable Forking Conjecture parent of this event
A Counterexample to the Stable Forking Conjecture evidence for this event
The paper constructs a simple theory in which forking cannot always be witnessed by a stable formula. Precisely, what fails is: in a simple theory, if then there is forking over whose parameter-free form is stable. The counterexample is an infinite-dimensional vector space over the division ring of fractions of the quantum graph algebra of the random graph. Forking is characterised by an abstract independence relation, and the random graph is encoded into that relation so that it has the order property; stable formulas therefore cannot determine all forking in simple theories. parent of this event
This event attributed to James Freitag; Scott Mutchnik
This event attributed to GPT 5.6 Sol
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