On generalized algebraic theories and categories with families
Journal article, 2021

We give a syntax independent formulation of finitely presented generalized algebraic theories as initial objects in categories of categories with families (cwfs) with extra structure. To this end, we simultaneously define the notion of a presentation sigma of a generalized algebraic theory and the associated category CwF(sigma) of small cwfs with a sigma-structure and cwf-morphisms that preserve sigma-structure on the nose. Our definition refers to the purely semantic notion of uniform family of contexts, types, and terms in CwF(sigma). Furthermore, we show how to syntactically construct an initial cwf with a sigma-structure. This result can be viewed as a generalization of Birkhoff's completeness theorem for equational logic. It is obtained by extending Castellan, Clairambault, and Dybjer's construction of an initial cwf. We provide examples of generalized algebraic theories for monoids, categories, categories with families, and categories with families with extra structure for some type formers of Martin-Lof type theory. The models of these are internal monoids, internal categories, and internal categories with families (with extra structure) in a small category with families. Finally, we show how to extend our definition to some generalized algebraic theories that are not finitely presented, such as the theory of contextual cwfs.

internal category

Martin-Lof type theory

category with families

generalized algebraic theory

initial model

Dependent type theory

Author

Marc Bezem

University of Bergen

Thierry Coquand

University of Gothenburg

Peter Dybjer

Logic and Types

Martin Escardo

University of Birmingham

Mathematical Structures in Computer Science

0960-1295 (ISSN) 1469-8072 (eISSN)

Vol. 31 9 1006-1023 PII S0960129521000268

Subject Categories

Algebra and Logic

Geometry

Mathematical Analysis

DOI

10.1017/S0960129521000268

More information

Latest update

3/7/2024 9