Proof-theoretic semantics for classical mathematics

William W. Tait

pp. 603-622

in: Proof-theoretic semantics, Synthese 148 (3), 2006.

Abstract

We discuss the semantical categories of base and object implicit in the Curry-Howard theory of types and we derive derive logic and, in particular, the comprehension principle in the classical version of the theory. Two results that apply to both the classical and the constructive theory are discussed. First, compositional semantics for the theory does not demand ‘incomplete objects’ in the sense of Frege: bound variables are in principle eliminable. Secondly, the relation of extensional equality for each type is definable in the Curry-Howard theory.

Cited authors

Frege Gottlob