Description
Book SynopsisHigher-dimensional category theory draws its inspiration from areas as diverse as topology, quantum algebra, mathematical physics, logic, and theoretical computer science. This is the first book on the subject and lays its foundations, appealing to graduate students and researchers who wish to become acquainted with this modern branch of mathematics.
Table of ContentsPart I. Background: 1. Classical categorical structures; 2. Classical operads and multicategories; 3. Notions of monoidal category; Part II. Operads. 4. Generalized operads and multicategories: basics; 5. Example: fc-multicategories; 6. Generalized operads and multicategories: further theory; 7. Opetopes; Part III. n-categories: 8. Globular operads; 9. A definition of weak n-category; 10. Other definitions of weak n-category; Appendices: A. Symmetric structures; B. Coherence for monoidal categories; C. Special Cartesian monads; D. Free multicategories; E. Definitions of trees; F. Free strict n-categories; G. Initial operad-with-contraction.
