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 ...

This manual describes how to use the theorem prover Isabelle. For beginners, it explains how to perform simple single-step proofs in the built-in logics. These include first-order logic, a classical sequent calculus, zf set theory, Constructive Type Theory, and higher-order logic. Each of these logics is described. The manual then explains how to develop advanced tactics and tacticals and how to derive rules. Finally, it describes how to define new logics within Isabelle. Acknowledgements. Isabelle uses Dave Matthews's Standard ml compiler, Poly/ml. Philippe de Groote wrote the first version of the logic lk. Funding and equipment were provided by SERC/Alvey grant GR/E0355.7 and ESPRIT BRA grant 3245. Thanks also to Philippe Noel, Brian Monahan, Martin Coen, and Annette Schumann. Contents 1 Basic Features of Isabelle 5 1.1 Overview of Isabelle : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 6 1.1.1 The representation of logics : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 6 1.1.2 The...