Applying Second-Order Quantifier Elimination in Inspecting Gödel's Ontological Proof

Abstract

In recent years, Gödel's ontological proof and variations of it were formalized and analyzed with automated tools in various ways. We supplement these analyses with a modeling in an automated environment based on first-order logic extended by predicate quantification. Formula macros are used to structure complex formulas and tasks. The analysis is presented as a generated type-set document where informal explanations are interspersed with pretty-printed formulas and outputs of reasoners for first-order theorem proving and second-order quantifier elimination. Previously unnoticed or obscured aspects and details of Gödel's proof become apparent. Practical application possibilities of second-order quantifier elimination are shown and the encountered elimination tasks may serve as benchmarks.