On free constructions (Q1178745)

The authors show that the concept of ``free extension'' has its real nature in model theory rather then geometry. It is shown how free extensions may be treated ``simultaneously'' for all classes of incidence geometries which can be characterized by a set \(S\) of axioms formulated in first order language \(L\), without knowing \(S\) or \(L\) explicitly. Thus it becomes possible to give a unifying approach to otherwise widespread results (e.g. on projective planes, affine planes, Benz planes, generalized \(n\)-gones,\dots) as well as to establish some new results. Also groups of projectivities acting on a block are treated within the model theoretic frame. The paper aims at geometers: A detailed discussion of various examples illustrates in an illuminative way how the powerful methods of model theory can be applied to geometry.