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What is Category Theory Anyway?

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A quick browse through my Twitter or Instagram accounts, and you might guess that I've had category theory on my mind. You'd be right, too! So I have a few category-theory themed posts lined up for this semester, and to start off, I'd like to (attempt to) answer the question, What is category theory, anyway? for anyone who may not be familiar with the subject. Now rather than give you a list of definitions--which are easy enough to find and may feel a bit unmotivated at first--I thought it would be nice to tell you what category theory is in the grand scheme of (mathematical) things. You see, it's very different than other branches of math. Rather than being another sibling lined up in the family photograph, it's more like a common gene that unites them in the first place. Let me explain. Martin Kuppe once created a wonderful map of the mathematical landscape, which he dubbed "Mathematistan."  You'll notice that the "coast of category theory" is located in the lower right corner. In my

What is Category Theory Anyway? - math3ma    © 2015 – 2025 Math3ma Ps. 148 Archives January 17, 2017 • Category Theory What is Category Theory Anyway? A quick browse through my Twitter or Instagram accounts, and you might guess that I've had category theory on my mind. You'd be right, too! So I have a few category-theory themed posts lined up for this semester, and to start off, I'd like to (attempt to) answer the question, What is category theory, anyway ? for anyone who may not be familiar with the subject. Now rather than give you a list of definitions--which are easy enough to find and

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