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François Brunault
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The $\mathbf{R}$-vector space $\mathbf{R}^{(\mathbf{R})}$ has dimension $\operatorname{card} \mathbf{R}$ by definition, so it is isomorphic to $\mathbf{R}^{\mathbf{N}}$ (by the Erdős-Kaplansky theorem and because $\operatorname{card}(\mathbf{R}^{\mathbf{N}}) = \operatorname{card} \mathbf{R}$). So $\mathbf{R}^{(\mathbf{R})}$ is isomorphic to the dual of $\mathbf{R}[X]$.

In general, your precise question is equivalent to the following purely set-theoretical question (which seems difficult). By the useful formula, the identity $\operatorname{card} V = \operatorname{dim}_K V$ is equivalent to $\operatorname{card} K \leq \operatorname{dim}_K V$. Let $\kappa = \operatorname{card} K$ and $\lambda = \dim_K V$, and assume $\kappa \leq \lambda$. Does there always exist an infinite cardinal $\alpha$ such that $\kappa^\alpha = \lambda$? (here $\alpha$ is meant to be the dimension of the vector space whose dual is $V$). In general, Stephen's answer shows that there are counterexamples.

François Brunault
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