Structured calculational proof

Abstract

We propose a new format for writing proofs, which we call structured calculational proof. The format is similar to the calculational style of proof already familiar to many computer scientists, but extends it by allowing large proofs to be hierarchically decomposed into smaller ones. In fact, structured calculational proof can be seen as an alternative presentation of natural deduction. Natural deduction is a well established style of reasoning which uses hierarchical decomposition to great effect, but which is traditionally expressed in a notation that is inconvenient for writing calculational proofs. The hierarchical nature of structured calculational proofs can be used for proof browsing. We comment on how browsing can increase the value of a proof, and discuss the possibilities offered by electronic publishing for the presentation and dissemination of papers containing browsable proofs. Show more