Kaplansky classes (Q2569673)

\textit{P. Eklof} and \textit{J. Trlifaj} [Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 33, No. 1, 41--51 (2001; Zbl 1030.16004)] have shown an important role in homological algebra of the cotorsion theory introduced by \textit{L. Salce} [Symp. Math. 23, 11--32 (1979; Zbl 0426.20044)]. The authors define and study a Kaplansky class of modules which behave well under the technique of Eklof and Trlifaj. General existence theorems on covers and envelopes in the Gorenstein setting are proved. In particular, if \(R\) is a noetherian ring then the class of injective Gorenstein modules is a Kaplansky class, therefore every \(R\)-module has a Gorenstein injective preenvelope. Those classes are also related to \(\mu\)-dimension of modules.