A Topos-Theoretic Interpretation of Blockchain Systems: Sheaves of Consensus and the Logic of Decentralized Truth (opens in new tab)

The predominant formal models for blockchain systems, particularly smart contracts, have largely been drawn from the classical theory of computation, with the finite state machine (FSM) or labeled transition system serving as the primary conceptual tool. However, the FSM relegates the most difficult and novel aspect of a blockchain -- the achievement of consensus in a decentralized environment -- to a complex, often messy, implementation detail ...