We show that a version of Martin-Löf type theory with an extensional identity type former I, a unit type N1 , Sigma-types, Pi-types, and a base type is a free category with families (supporting these type formers) both in a 1- and a 2-categorical sense. It follows that the underlying category of contexts is a free locally cartesian closed category in a 2-categorical sense because of a previously proved biequivalence. We show that equality in this category is undecidable by reducing it to the undecidability of convertibility in combinatory logic. Essentially the same construction also shows a slightly strengthened form of the result that equality in extensional Martin-Löf type theory with one universe is undecidable.

• 03B38 - Type theory
• 03D35 - Undecidability and degrees of sets of sentences
• 18D15 - Closed categories (closed monoidal and Cartesian closed categories, etc.)