We investigate the descriptive complexity of the set of models of first-order theories. Using classical results of Knight and Solovay, we give a sharp condition for complete theories to have a Π ω 0 _ ⁰ -complete set of models. In particular, any sequential theory (a class of foundational theories isolated by Pudlák) has a Π ω 0 _ ⁰ -complete set of models. We also give sharp conditions for theories to have a Π n 0 ⁰ₙ -complete set of models.
Andrews et al. (Thu,) studied this question.