An interactive system for proving theorems in the predicate calculus

Abstract
This paper describes an interactive system for proving theorems in the first order predicate calculus. The system utilizes Jeffrey's tree method, a variant of Beth's method of semantic tableaux, which lends it self well to a man-machine interactive type of implementation. The method also permits one to separate clearly the basic problems involved in automatic theorem proving from those of devising suitable heuristics to obtain a proof. The latter can be superimposed on the basic system at a later stage by means of a strategy language. This paper places special emphasis on a detailed description of programs involved. The system is operational on a small computer.