The Lambda Calculus is Quantifiable

Abstract

In this paper we introduce several quantitative methods for the lambda-calculus based on partial metrics, a well-studied variant of standard metric spaces that have been used to metrize non-Hausdorff topologies, like those arising from Scott domains. First, we study quantitative variants, based on program distances, of sensible equational theories for the $\lambda$-calculus, like those arising from B\"ohm trees and from the contextual preorder. Then, we introduce applicative distances capturing higher-order Scott topologies, including reflexive objects like the $D_\infty$ model. Finally, we provide a quantitative insight on the well-known connection between the B\"ohm tree of a $\lambda$-term and its Taylor expansion, by showing that the latter can be presented as an isometric transformation.