Formalizing equational reasoning in proof systems based on type theory


Eric Barendsen, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Abstract:

Typed lambda calculus is an attractive basis for machine-assisted proof development: representing derivations as syntactic objects (lambda terms) enables easy manipulation and communication of proofs. Formalization of equational reasoning in type theory turns out to be problematic: straightforward axiomatization of equational logic gives rise to tedious proofs. In this talk we will discuss some efficient alternatives in which proofs are replaced by computations.