Borrowing interpolation

We present a generic method for establishing interpolation properties by ‘borrowing’ across logical systems. The framework used is that of the so-caled ‘institution theory’ which is a categorical abstract model theory providing a formal definition for the informal concept of ‘logical system’ and a mathematical concept of ‘homomorphism’ between logical systems. We develop three different styles or patterns to apply the proposed borrowing interpolation method. These three ways are illustrated by the development of a series of concrete interpolation results for logical systems that are used in mathematical logic or in computing science, some of these interpolation properties apparently being new results. These logical systems include fragments of (classical many sorted) first-order logic with equality, preordered algebra and its Horn fragment, partial algebra, higher order logic. Applications are also expected for many other logical systems, including membership algebra, various types of order sorted algebra, the logic of predefined types, etc., and various combinations of the logical systems discussed here.