English

Applying Second-Order Quantifier Elimination in Inspecting G\"odel's Ontological Proof

Logic in Computer Science 2021-10-22 v1 Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

In recent years, G\"odel's ontological proof and variations of it were formalized and analyzed with automated tools in various ways. We supplement these analyses with a modeling in an automated environment based on first-order logic extended by predicate quantification. Formula macros are used to structure complex formulas and tasks. The analysis is presented as a generated type-set document where informal explanations are interspersed with pretty-printed formulas and outputs of reasoners for first-order theorem proving and second-order quantifier elimination. Previously unnoticed or obscured aspects and details of G\"odel's proof become apparent. Practical application possibilities of second-order quantifier elimination are shown and the encountered elimination tasks may serve as benchmarks.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2110.11108,
  title  = {Applying Second-Order Quantifier Elimination in Inspecting G\"odel's Ontological Proof},
  author = {Christoph Wernhard},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2110.11108},
  year   = {2021}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-24T07:04:23.895Z