Isabelle [28, 30] is an interactive theorem prover that supports a variety of logics. It represents rules as propositions (not as functions) and builds proofs by combining rules. These operations constitute a meta-logic (or `logical framework') in which the object-logics are formalized. Isabelle is now based on higher-order logic --- a precise and well-understood foundation. Examples illustrate use of this meta-logic to formalize logics and proofs. Axioms for first-order logic are shown sound and complete. Backwards proof is formalized by meta-reasoning about object-level entailment. Higher-order logic has several practical advantages over other meta-logics. Many proof techniques are known, such as Huet's higher-order unification procedure. Key words: higher-order logic, higher-order unification, Isabelle, LCF, logical frameworks, meta-reasoning, natural deduction Contents 1 History and overview 2 2 The meta-logic M 4 2.1 Syntax of the meta-logic ......................... 4 2.2 ...

The paper contains proof–theoretic investigations on extensions of Kripke–Platek set theory, KP, which accommodate first order reflection. Ordinal analyses for such theories are obtained by devising cut elimination procedures for infinitary calculi of ramified set theory with Πn reflection rules. This leads to consistency proofs for the theories KP + Πn–reflection using a small amount of arithmetic (PRA) and the well–foundedness of a certain ordinal notation system with respect to primitive recursive descending sequences. Regarding future work, we intend to avail ourselves of these new cut elimination techniques to attain an ordinal analysis of Π 1 2 comprehension by approaching Π1 2 comprehension through transfinite levels of reflection. 1

In this paper we devise some technical tools for dealing with problems connected with the philosophical view usually called mathematical instrumentalism. These tools are interesting in their own right, independently of their philosophical consequences. For example, we show that even though the fragment of Peano’s Arithmetic known as IΣ1 is a conservative extension of the equational theory of Primitive Recursive Arithmetic (P RA), IΣ1 has a super-exponential speed-up over P RA. On the other hand, theories studied in the Program of Reverse Mathematics that formalize powerful mathematical principles have only polynomial speed-up over IΣ1. 1