Finitary proof systems for Kozen’s μ.

Abstract

We present three finitary cut-free sequent calculi for the modal [my]-calculus. Two of these derive annotated sequents in the style of Stirling’s ‘tableau proof system with names’ (4236) and feature special inferences that discharge open assumptions. The third system is a variant of Kozen’s axiomatisation in which cut is replaced by a strengthening of the v-induction inference rule. Soundness and completeness for the three systems is proved by establishing a sequence of embeddings between the calculi, starting at Stirling’s tableau-proofs and ending at the original axiomatisation of the [my]-calculus due to Kozen. As a corollary we obtain a completeness proof for Kozen’s axiomatisation which avoids the usual detour through automata or games.