On the basis of the Klingler–Levy classification of finitely generated modules over commutative noetherian rings we approach the old problem of classifying finite commutative rings R with decidable theory of modules. We prove that if R is (finite length) wild, then the theory of all R-modules is undecidable, and verify decidability of this theory for some classes of tame finite commutative rings.

For a commutative Noetherian local ring we define and study the class of modules having reducible complexity, a class containing all modules of finite complete intersection dimension. Various properties of this class of modules are given, together with results on the vanishing of homology and cohomology.