10.3 The Eilenberg-Moore category

2 min readjuly 23, 2024

The provides a framework for understanding algebras associated with . It defines objects as and morphisms as , creating a structured environment to study .

This category encapsulates the of monads, allowing for analysis of relationships between algebras. It also enables the interpretation of monadic computations as morphisms between algebras, ensuring well-behaved and compositional semantics for these computations.

The Eilenberg-Moore Category

Definition of Eilenberg-Moore category

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  • Eilenberg-Moore category CT\mathcal{C}^T for a monad (T,η,μ)(T, \eta, \mu) on a category C\mathcal{C} consists of:
    • Objects: T-algebras (A,a)(A, a) where AA is an object in C\mathcal{C} and a:TAAa: TA \to A is a morphism satisfying:
      • aηA=idAa \circ \eta_A = id_A ()
      • aTa=aμAa \circ Ta = a \circ \mu_A ()
    • Morphisms: T-algebra homomorphisms f:(A,a)(B,b)f: (A, a) \to (B, b) where f:ABf: A \to B is a morphism in C\mathcal{C} such that:
      • fa=bTff \circ a = b \circ Tf ()
  • Composition of morphisms inherited from the base category C\mathcal{C}
  • Identity morphisms for each object (A,a)(A, a) given by idA:AAid_A: A \to A

Relationship to monad algebras

  • Eilenberg-Moore category CT\mathcal{C}^T encapsulates algebras for the monad TT
    • Each object in CT\mathcal{C}^T is an algebra for TT with a specific structure
    • Morphisms in CT\mathcal{C}^T preserve the algebra structure and respect the monad operations
  • Provides a to study and compare algebras for a monad
    • Allows analyzing relationships between algebras through morphisms (CT\mathcal{C}^T morphisms)
  • Generalizes the notion of algebras for a monad to a category-theoretic setting

Proof of category axioms

  • axiom: For each T-algebra (A,a)(A, a), idA:AAid_A: A \to A is a T-algebra homomorphism
    • idAa=aT(idA)id_A \circ a = a \circ T(id_A) holds by the identity law in C\mathcal{C}
  • : If f:(A,a)(B,b)f: (A, a) \to (B, b) and g:(B,b)(C,c)g: (B, b) \to (C, c) are T-algebra homomorphisms, then gf:(A,a)(C,c)g \circ f: (A, a) \to (C, c) is also a T-algebra homomorphism
    • (gf)a=g(fa)=g(bTf)=(gb)Tf=cT(gf)(g \circ f) \circ a = g \circ (f \circ a) = g \circ (b \circ Tf) = (g \circ b) \circ Tf = c \circ T(g \circ f) (by associativity and homomorphism conditions)
  • : Composition of T-algebra homomorphisms is associative
    • Inherited from the associativity of composition in the base category C\mathcal{C}

Framework for monadic computations

  • Eilenberg-Moore category allows interpreting monadic computations as morphisms between algebras
    • A monadic computation m:TATBm: TA \to TB can be lifted to a morphism m:(A,a)(B,b)m^\sharp: (A, a) \to (B, b) in CT\mathcal{C}^T where:
      • m=bmm^\sharp = b \circ m ()
  • Ensures well-behaved and compositional semantics for monadic computations
    • Composition of lifted morphisms corresponds to composition of monadic computations
    • Identity morphism represents the trivial computation ηA\eta_A
  • Enables studying properties and relationships of monadic computations using categorical tools
    • expressible as commutative diagrams in CT\mathcal{C}^T
    • Morphisms between algebras allow comparing and transforming monadic computations (CT\mathcal{C}^T morphisms)

Key Terms to Review (27)

Adjunctions: Adjunctions are a fundamental concept in category theory that describe a pair of functors between two categories, where one functor is the left adjoint and the other is the right adjoint. They capture a deep relationship between different mathematical structures, providing a way to translate problems and results between categories. This concept is pivotal in understanding how different categories can relate and how structures within those categories can be preserved or transformed.
Algebraic Structure: An algebraic structure is a set equipped with one or more operations that satisfy specific axioms or properties. These structures, such as groups, rings, and fields, allow for the study of algebraic properties and relationships among elements, serving as foundational elements in various mathematical theories, including the development of categorical concepts.
Associativity axiom: The associativity axiom is a fundamental property in mathematics that states that the way in which numbers are grouped in an operation does not affect the result of that operation. In the context of category theory, this axiom ensures that when dealing with morphisms and compositions, the order in which we perform the compositions does not matter, as long as the sequence of objects remains the same.
Associativity Law: The associativity law is a fundamental property in algebraic structures, stating that the way in which operations are grouped does not affect the outcome. In more formal terms, for any three elements a, b, and c in a set, the equation (a * b) * c = a * (b * c) holds true for a binary operation *. This law is essential for ensuring that operations in structures like monoids and categories are well-defined and can be composed without ambiguity.
Cat: In category theory, a 'cat' refers to a category, which is a mathematical structure consisting of objects and morphisms (arrows) that define relationships between those objects. Categories can be used to abstractly represent various mathematical concepts and structures, enabling mathematicians to study their properties and relationships in a unified way. A category must satisfy specific axioms such as the existence of identity morphisms and the associativity of composition.
Categorical framework: A categorical framework is a structured approach in mathematics that uses categories to systematically study and relate different mathematical concepts. This framework allows for the formulation of concepts like functors, natural transformations, and limits, which facilitate the exploration of relationships between different mathematical structures in a cohesive manner.
Colimits: Colimits are a fundamental concept in category theory that generalize the idea of taking a 'union' of objects through a diagram of objects and morphisms. They provide a way to combine multiple objects into a single object while preserving the relationships between them, thus extending the notion of limits and allowing us to analyze structures in a more flexible manner.
Composition axiom: The composition axiom is a fundamental principle in category theory that states that if there are two morphisms, say `f` from object A to object B and `g` from object B to object C, then there exists a composite morphism `g ∘ f` from object A to object C. This axiom ensures that morphisms can be composed in a structured way, facilitating the exploration of relationships between objects within a category.
Eilenberg-Moore category: An Eilenberg-Moore category is a category associated with a monad, consisting of objects that represent the structure of the monad and morphisms that preserve that structure. It plays a crucial role in understanding how monads can be used to encapsulate algebraic operations, leading to insights in adjoint functor theorems and connections between different types of categories.
Eilenberg-Moore Theorem: The Eilenberg-Moore Theorem establishes a relationship between monads and their algebras, providing a way to represent and understand these structures in category theory. It shows that the category of algebras for a monad is equivalent to a certain category of morphisms, connecting the theory of monads with practical applications in algebraic structures and functorial behavior.
Freely generated categories: Freely generated categories are categories that arise from a set of objects and morphisms where there are no relations imposed beyond the identities and composition of morphisms. This concept is crucial in understanding how certain structures can be formed without constraints, allowing for a wide range of constructions and applications, particularly in the context of the Eilenberg-Moore category, where algebraic structures are related to their categorical representations.
Homomorphism condition: The homomorphism condition refers to the requirement that a structure-preserving map between two algebraic structures, such as groups or rings, must respect the operations defined on those structures. This means that if you take elements from one structure, apply the operation, and then map them to another structure, the result should be the same as mapping the individual elements first and then applying the operation in the second structure. In the context of the Eilenberg-Moore category, this condition is essential for defining morphisms between algebraic structures that are linked via a functorial relationship.
Identity Morphism: An identity morphism is a special type of morphism in category theory that acts as a neutral element for composition, meaning it maps an object to itself. It is crucial for establishing the structure of a category since every object must have its own identity morphism that satisfies specific properties related to composition and identity.
Isomorphisms: Isomorphisms are special types of morphisms in category theory that establish a structure-preserving relationship between objects, indicating that they are essentially the same from a categorical perspective. This means that there exists a way to map between two objects such that the mappings can be reversed, allowing for the conclusion that the objects share identical properties in their respective categories. They provide a foundation for understanding equivalence between objects and play a crucial role in defining categories like the Eilenberg-Moore category.
Lifting operation: A lifting operation refers to a process in category theory that allows for the construction of a morphism in a certain context, usually by lifting it from a simpler structure to a more complex one. This is particularly relevant in the Eilenberg-Moore category, where lifting operations are used to facilitate the relationship between algebras and their corresponding monads, allowing for an elegant way to handle transformations and structures within categories.
Limits: Limits in category theory refer to a way of capturing the idea of a universal construction that encapsulates the behavior of a diagram of objects and morphisms. They help in understanding how different structures relate to each other and allow for various constructions and equivalences within categories, making them fundamental in the broader context of mathematical reasoning.
Monadic computations: Monadic computations refer to a structured way of handling computations in programming and mathematics, where a monad encapsulates a value along with a context for that value, allowing for sequential operations while managing side effects. This concept provides a framework for composing and chaining functions together in a predictable manner, especially useful in functional programming. By utilizing algebras for a monad and the Eilenberg-Moore category, we can understand how these computations can be modeled and manipulated effectively.
Monadic laws: Monadic laws are a set of three important properties that govern the behavior of monads in category theory. They ensure that monads behave consistently and provide a framework for constructing computations in a modular way, encapsulating side effects and facilitating composition. These laws help in defining how to handle the chaining of computations within the context of a monadic structure, ensuring predictable and reliable outcomes.
Monads: Monads are a structure used in category theory to encapsulate computations or processes while managing side effects and enabling chaining of operations. They provide a way to abstractly represent sequences of computations, essentially allowing for the combination of operations in a consistent manner. Monads consist of three main components: a type constructor, a unit (or return) function that injects values into the monadic context, and a bind function that allows for the sequencing of operations within that context.
Morphisms of algebras: Morphisms of algebras are structure-preserving maps between algebraic structures, such as groups, rings, or vector spaces, that maintain the operations defined on these structures. They ensure that the relationships and properties inherent in the algebras are preserved when transferring elements from one algebra to another. This concept is essential in understanding how different algebraic systems interact and relate to one another in a categorical framework.
Natural transformations: Natural transformations are a way of relating two functors that map between categories, providing a systematic way to compare their outputs while preserving the structure of the categories. They consist of a family of morphisms, one for each object in the source category, that satisfy certain coherence conditions, essentially allowing you to transform one functor into another while respecting the relationships between the categories. This concept is crucial when working with functors in the context of category theory, especially in understanding how different structures can interact.
Samuel Eilenberg: Samuel Eilenberg was a prominent mathematician known for his foundational contributions to category theory, particularly through the development of key concepts that shape the field. His work laid the groundwork for understanding mathematical structures and their relationships, influencing areas like algebraic topology, algebra, and logic.
Set: A set is a well-defined collection of distinct objects, considered as an object in its own right. In category theory, sets serve as the fundamental building blocks for constructing more complex mathematical structures, allowing for the exploration of relationships and mappings between different sets through functions.
T-algebra homomorphisms: t-algebra homomorphisms are structure-preserving maps between t-algebras that respect the operations defined in these algebras. They generalize the notion of homomorphisms in algebraic structures, ensuring that the relationships and identities inherent in one t-algebra are maintained in another. This concept is crucial for understanding how different algebraic structures interact, especially within the framework of the Eilenberg-Moore category, which connects algebra with category theory through its handling of algebras over a monad.
T-algebras: A t-algebra is a type of algebraic structure defined in the context of a monad, which encapsulates a specific type of computation or data transformation. T-algebras provide a framework for understanding how these structures interact with morphisms and how they can be composed, particularly in relation to the Eilenberg-Moore category, where they serve as the objects of interest.
Unit Law: The unit law in category theory states that for every monoid in a category, there exists an identity element that acts as a neutral element for the monoid's operation. This law ensures that the identity morphism, which maps an object to itself, is a fundamental feature in both the structure of categories and the associated Eilenberg-Moore categories, reinforcing the connection between algebraic structures and categorical frameworks.
Walter Moore: Walter Moore is a prominent mathematician known for his contributions to category theory, particularly in the development of the Eilenberg-Moore category. This category serves as a framework for analyzing algebraic structures and is essential in connecting various concepts in category theory, such as monads and functors.
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