Linear Logic Properly Displayed

Abstract: We introduce proper display calculi for intuitionistic, bi-intuitionistic and classical linear logics with exponentials, which are sound, complete, conservative, and enjoy cut-elimination and subformula property. Based on the same design, we introduce a variant of Lambek calculus with exponentials, aimed at capturing the controlled application of exchange and associativity. Properness (i.e. closure under uniform substitution of all parametric parts in rules) is the main interest and added value of the present proposal, and allows for the smoothest proof of cut-elimination. Our proposal builds on an algebraic and order-theoretic analysis of linear logic, and applies the guidelines of the multi-type methodology in the design of display calculi.