Presheaf models of constructive set theories

Abstract. We introduce a new kind of models for constructive set theories based on categories of presheaves. These models are a counterpart of the presheaf models for intuitionistic set theories defined by Dana Scott in the ’80s. We also show how presheaf models fit into the framework of Algebraic Set Theory and sketch an application to an independence result. 1. Variable sets in foundations and practice Presheaves are of central importance both for the foundations and the practice of mathematics. The notion of a presheaf formalizes well the idea of a variable set, that is relevant in all the areas of mathematics concerned with the study of indexed families of objects [19]. One may then readily see how presheaves are of interest also in foundations: both Cohen’s forcing models for classical set theories and Kripke models for intuitionistic logic involve the idea of sets indexed by stages. Constructive aspects start to emerge when one considers the internal logic of categories of presheaves. This logic, which does not include classical principles such as the law of the excluded middle, provides a useful language to manipulate object