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arXiv · 1610.06289

Semantics and Proof Theory of the Epsilon Calculus

Richard Zach
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Abstract

The epsilon operator is a term-forming operator which replaces quantifiers in ordinary predicate logic. The application of this undervalued formalism has been hampered by the absence of well-behaved proof systems on the one hand, and accessible presentations of its theory on the other. One significant early result for the original axiomatic proof system for the epsilon-calculus is the first epsilon theorem, for which a proof is sketched. The system itself is discussed, also relative to possible semantic interpretations. The problems facing the development of proof-theoretically well-behaved systems are outlined.

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Richard Zach. 2016-10-20. Semantics and Proof Theory of the Epsilon Calculus. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54069-5_4

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