Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 December 2025
This chapter introduces the sequent calculus as a formal system for constructing proofs and as a basis for automated proof search. It contrasts the book’s approach with Gentzen’s original formulation. The chapter details the different types of inference rules within the sequent calculus, including structural rules (weakening, contraction), identity rules (initial, cut), and introduction rules for logical connectives. It distinguishes between additive and multiplicative rules. Finally, it defines sequent calculus proofs as trees of inference rules and briefly touches upon the properties of cut elimination. Bibliographic notes point to relevant literature.
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