Non-primitive Recursive Function Definitions

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to the problem of introducing<br />non-primitive recursive function definitions in higher order logic. A<br />recursive specification is translated into a domain theory version, where<br />the recursive calls are treated as potentially non-terminating. Once we<br />have proved termination, the original specification can be derived easily.<br />A collection of algorithms are presented which hide the domain theory<br />from a user. Hence, the derivation of a domain theory specification<br />has been automated completely, and for well-founded recursive function<br />specifications the process of deriving the original specification from the<br />domain theory one has been automated as well, though a user must<br />supply a well-founded relation and prove certain termination properties<br />of the specification. There are constructions for building well-founded<br />relations easily.