Homotopy Model Theory I: Syntax and Semantics

A model theory in the framework of Univalent Foundations requires a logic that allows us to define structures on homotopy (n-)types, similar to how first-order logic can define structures on sets. We define such an “n-level” logic for finite n. The syntax is based on a generalization of Makkai’s FOLDS, obtained by an operation that allows us to add equality sorts to FOLDS-signatures. We then give both a set-theoretic and a homotopy type-theoretic semantics for this logic and prove soundness for both with respect to an appropriate deductive system. As an application, we prove that univalent categories are axiomatizable in 1-logic.