Maximal sets in α-recursion theory

Let α be an admissible ordinal, and leta ^* be the Σ₁-projectum ofa. Call an α-r.e. setM maximal if α→M is unbounded and for every α→r.e. setA, eitherA∩(α-M) or (α-A)∩(α-M) is bounded. Call and α-r.e. setM amaximal subset of α^* if α^*−M is undounded and for any α-r.e. setA, eitherA∩(α^*-M) or (⇌^*-A)∩(α^*-M) is unbounded in α^*. Sufficient conditions are given both for the existence of maximal sets, and for the existence of maximal subset of α^*. Necessary conditions for the existence of maximal sets are also given. In particular, if α ≧ ℵ ^L then it is shown that maximal sets do not exist. Research partially supported by NSF Grant GP-34088 X. Some of the results in this paper have been taken from the second author’s Ph. D. Thesis, written under the supervision of Gerald Sacks.