The theory of the Gödel functionals

Abstract

In [2] we described an arithmetic theory of constructions (ATC) and showed that first-order intuitionistic arithmetic (HA) could be interpreted in it. In [3] we went on to show that the interpretation of HA in ATC is faithful. The purpose of the present paper is to apply these ideas to intuitionistic arithmetic in all finite types. Tait has shown [6] that a conservative extension of HA is obtained by adding the Gödel functionals with intuitionistic logic and intensional identity in all finite types. Below we show that this extension remains conservative on the addition of certain axioms of choice which are evident on the intended interpretation of the intuitionistic logical connectives. This theorem (Corollary 6.2 below) was first obtained by a more complicated argument in our dissertation [1]. Some of its implications are discussed in Goodman and Myhill [4].We assume that the reader is familiar with [2] and [3].