A model theory that is independent of any concrete logical system allows a general handling of a large variety of logics. This generality can be achieved by applying the theory of institutions that provides a precise mathematical formulation for the intuitive concept of a logical system. Especially in computer science, where the development of a huge number of specification logics is observable, institution-independent model theory simplifies and sometimes even enables a concise model-theoretic analysis of the system. Besides incorporating important methods and concepts from conventional model theory, the proposed top-down methodology allows for a structurally clean understanding of model-theoretic phenomena. As a consequence, results from conventional concrete model theory can be understood more easily, and sometimes even new results are obtained.

Presents a novel approach to model theory beyond any commitement to concrete particular logics Develops a new top-down methodology for doing model theory leading to important theoretical consequences Within the rather large institution theory literature the first book dedicated to model theory Gathers together in a unitary way important works in the area published through various journals or even yet unpublished Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Categories.- Institutions.- Theories and Models.- Internal Logic.- Model Ultraproducts.- Saturated Models.- Preservation and Axiomatizability.- Interpolation.- Definability.- Possible Worlds.- Grothendieck Institutions.- Institutions with Proofs.- Specification.- Logic Programming.