English

Recursion does not always help

Logic in Computer Science 2023-07-19 v6

Abstract

We show that adding recursion does not increase the total functions definable in the typed λβη\lambda\beta\eta-calculus or the partial functions definable in the λΩ\lambda\Omega-calculus. As a consequence, adding recursion does not increase the class of partial or total definable functions on free algebras and so, in particular, on the natural numbers.

Cite

@article{arxiv.2206.08413,
  title  = {Recursion does not always help},
  author = {Gordon Plotkin},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2206.08413},
  year   = {2023}
}

Comments

Improved presentation a little

R2 v1 2026-06-24T11:54:21.454Z