Homotopy type-theoretic interpretations of constructive set theories

Abstract

AbstractWe introduce a family of (k, h)-interpretations for 2 ≤ k ≤ ∞ and 1 ≤ h ≤ ∞ of constructive set theory into type theory, in which sets and formulas are interpreted as types of homotopy level k and h, respectively. Depending on the values of the parameters k and h, we are able to interpret different theories, like Aczel’s CZF and Myhill’s CST. We also define a proposition-as-hproposition interpretation in the context of logic-enriched type theories. The rest of the paper is devoted to characterising and analysing the interpretations considered. The formulas valid in the prop-as-hprop interpretation are characterised in terms of the axiom of unique choice. We also analyse the interpretations of CST into homotopy type theory, providing a comparative analysis with Aczel’s interpretation. This is done by formulating in a logic-enriched type theory the key principles used in the proofs of the two interpretations. Finally, we characterise a class of sentences valid in the (k, ∞)-interpretations in terms of the ΠΣ axiom of choice.