94 research outputs found
Constructing categories and setoids of setoids in type theory
In this paper we consider the problem of building rich categories of setoids,
in standard intensional Martin-L\"of type theory (MLTT), and in particular how
to handle the problem of equality on objects in this context. Any
(proof-irrelevant) family F of setoids over a setoid A gives rise to a category
C(A, F) of setoids with objects A. We may regard the family F as a setoid of
setoids, and a crucial issue in this article is to construct rich or large
enough such families. Depending on closure conditions of F, the category C(A,
F) has corresponding categorical constructions. We exemplify this with finite
limits. A very large family F may be obtained from Aczel's model construction
of CZF in type theory. It is proved that the category so obtained is isomorphic
to the internal category of sets in this model. Set theory can thus establish
(categorical) properties of C(A, F) which may be used in type theory. We also
show that Aczel's model construction may be extended to include the elements of
any setoid as atoms or urelements. As a byproduct we obtain a natural extension
of CZF, adding atoms. This extension, CZFU, is validated by the extended model.
The main theorems of the paper have been checked in the proof assistant Coq
which is based on MLTT. A possible application of this development is to
integrate set-theoretic and type-theoretic reasoning in proof assistants.Comment: 14 page
Against the iterative conception of set
According to the iterative conception of set, each set is a collection of sets formed prior to it. The notion of priority here plays an essential role in explanations of why contradiction-inducing sets, such as the Russell set, do not exist. Consequently, these explanations are successful only to the extent that a satisfactory priority relation is made out. I argue that attempts to do this have fallen short: understanding priority in a straightforwardly constructivist sense threatens the coherence of the empty set and raises serious epistemological concerns; but the leading realist interpretations---ontological and modal interpretations of priority---are deeply problematic as well. I conclude that the purported explanatory virtues of the iterative conception are, at present, unfounded
Classes, why and how
This paper presents a new approach to the class-theoretic paradoxes. In the first part of the paper, I will distinguish classes from sets, describe the function of class talk, and present several reasons for postulating type- free classes. This involves applications to the problem of unrestricted quantification, reduction of properties, natural language semantics, and the epistemology of mathematics. In the second part of the paper, I will present some axioms for type-free classes. My approach is loosely based on the Gödel-Russell idea of limited ranges of significance. It is shown how to derive the second-order Dedekind-Peano axioms within that theory. I conclude by discussing whether the theory can be used as a solution to the problem of unrestricted quantification. In an appendix, I prove the consistency of the class theory relative to Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory
Changing a semantics: opportunism or courage?
The generalized models for higher-order logics introduced by Leon Henkin, and
their multiple offspring over the years, have become a standard tool in many
areas of logic. Even so, discussion has persisted about their technical status,
and perhaps even their conceptual legitimacy. This paper gives a systematic
view of generalized model techniques, discusses what they mean in mathematical
and philosophical terms, and presents a few technical themes and results about
their role in algebraic representation, calibrating provability, lowering
complexity, understanding fixed-point logics, and achieving set-theoretic
absoluteness. We also show how thinking about Henkin's approach to semantics of
logical systems in this generality can yield new results, dispelling the
impression of adhocness. This paper is dedicated to Leon Henkin, a deep
logician who has changed the way we all work, while also being an always open,
modest, and encouraging colleague and friend.Comment: 27 pages. To appear in: The life and work of Leon Henkin: Essays on
his contributions (Studies in Universal Logic) eds: Manzano, M., Sain, I. and
Alonso, E., 201
- …