Computation First: Rebuilding Constructivism with Effects

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Constructive logic and type theory have traditionally been grounded in pure, effect-free model of computation. This paper argues that such a restriction is not a foundational necessity but a historical artifact, and it advocates for a broader perspective of effectful constructivism, where computational effects, such as state, non-determinism, and exceptions, are directly and internally embedded in the logical and computational foundations. We begin by surveying examples where effects reshape logical principles, and then outline three approaches to effectful constructivism, focusing on realizability models: Monadic Combinatory Algebras, which extend classical partial combinatory algebras with effectful computation; Evidenced Frames, a flexible semantic structure capable of uniformly capturing a wide range of effects; and Effectful Higher-Order Logic (EffHOL), a syntactic approach that directly translates logical propositions into specifications for effectful programs. We further illustrate how concrete type theories can internalize effects, via the family of type theories TTC. Together, these works demonstrate that effectful constructivism is not merely possible but a natural and robust extension of traditional frameworks.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication10th International Conference on Formal Structures for Computation and Deduction, FSCD 2025
    EditorsMaribel Fernandez
    PublisherSchloss Dagstuhl- Leibniz-Zentrum fur Informatik GmbH, Dagstuhl Publishing
    ISBN (Electronic)9783959773744
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 7 Jul 2025
    Event10th International Conference on Formal Structures for Computation and Deduction, FSCD 2025 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
    Duration: 14 Jul 202520 Jul 2025

    Publication series

    NameLeibniz International Proceedings in Informatics, LIPIcs
    Volume337
    ISSN (Print)1868-8969

    Conference

    Conference10th International Conference on Formal Structures for Computation and Deduction, FSCD 2025
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityBirmingham
    Period14/07/2520/07/25

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
      SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    Keywords

    • Effectful constructivism
    • evidenced frame
    • monadic combinatory algebras
    • realizability
    • type theory

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Software

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