Interpolation theorems for Lk,k2+

Abstract

Chang, in [1], proves an interpolation theorem (Theorem I, remark b)) for a first-order language. The proof of Chang's theorem uses essentially nonsimple devices, like special and ω1-saturated models.In remark e) in [1], Chang asks if there is a simpler proof of his Theorem I.In [1], Chang proves also another interpolation theorem (Theorem II), which is not an extension of his Theorem I, but extends Craig's interpolation theorem to Lα+,ω languages with interpolant in Lα+,α where α is a strong limit cardinal of cofinality ω.In remark k) in [1], Chang asks if there is a generalization of both Theorems I and II in [1], or at least a generalization of both Theorem I in [1] and Lopez-Escobar's interpolation theorem in [7].Maehara and Takeuti, in [8], show that there is a completely different proof of Chang's interpolation Theorem I as a consequence of their interpolation theorems. The proofs of these theorems of Maehara and Takeuti are proof theoretical in character, involving the notion of cut-free natural deduction, and it uses devices as simple as those needed for the usual Craig's interpolation theorem. Hence this can be considered as a positive answer to Chang's question in remark e) in [1].