Refinement by interpretation in φ-institutions

Abstract

The paper discusses the role of interpretations, understood as multifunctions that preserve and reflect logical consequence, as refinement witnesses in the general setting of π-institutions. This leads to a smooth generalization of the “refinement by interpretation” approach, recently introduced by the authors in more specific contexts. As a second, yet related contribution a basis is provided to build up a refinement calculus of structured specifications in and across arbitrary π-institutions.