An Extensional Böhm Model

Abstract

We show the existence of an infinitary confluen t and normalising extension of the finite extensional lambda calculus with beta and eta. Besides infinite beta reductions also infinite eta reductions are possible in this extension, and terms without head normal form can be reduced to bottom. As corollaries we obtain a simple, syntax based construction of an extensional Bohm model of the finite lambda calculus; and a simple, syntax based proof that two lambda terms have the same semantics in this model if and only if theyha ve the same eta-Bohm tree if and only if they are observationally equivalent wrt to beta normal forms. The confluence proof reduces confluence of beta, bottom and eta via infinitary commutation and postponement arguments to confluence of beta and bottom and confluence of eta.We give counterexamples against confluence of similar extensions based on the identification of the terms without weak head normal form and the terms without top normal form (rootactive terms) respectively.