English

Algebraic Type Theory and Universe Hierarchies

Logic in Computer Science 2019-02-26 v1 Logic

Abstract

It is commonly believed that algebraic notions of type theory support only universes \`a la Tarski, and that universes \`a la Russell must be removed by elaboration. We clarify the state of affairs, recalling the details of Cartmell's discipline of _generalized algebraic theory_, showing how to formulate an algebraic version of Coquand's cumulative cwfs with universes \`a la Russell. To demonstrate the power of algebraic techniques, we sketch a purely algebraic proof of canonicity for Martin-L\"of Type Theory with universes, dependent function types, and a base type with two constants.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1902.08848,
  title  = {Algebraic Type Theory and Universe Hierarchies},
  author = {Jonathan Sterling},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1902.08848},
  year   = {2019}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-23T07:49:00.300Z