I'm not a mathematician, but I have this idea.
A vector space is defined by a basis, that is a set of linearly independent vectors. On the other hand, an independent theory is defined by a set of independent axioms. A set of axioms is said to be independent if neither of them can be proved from the others.
Correspondence can be recognized in the following parallel sentences:
- A vector space over a field is defined by a set of linearly independent basis vectors.
- New vectors can be expressed as linear combinations of basis vectors.
- A vectorial basis spans a vector space.
vs.
- An independent theory over a formal language is defined by a set of logically independent axioms.
- New statements (theorems) can be derived as combinations of axioms.
- An axiomatic system "spans" a deductive theory.
If the correspondence holds, the following questions make sense:
- Is it possible to assign coordinates to the theorems of an independent theory?
- A vector space may have multiple bases. Is it possible to translate this statement into the language of axiomatic systems?
Disclaimer: I tried to be as exact as I could be. Feel free to correct me if I accidentally misused some concepts.