Jim Choate
Tue, 02 Apr 2002 19:34:55 -0800
On Tue, 2 Apr 2002, Tim May wrote:
> Category theory is basically about the common categories (sets,
> topologies, algebras, recursively-computable functions, stuff even from
> computer science) and the diagrams that link them. There's more to it
> than just saying "it's about talking about diagrams." It's a more
> unified way of looking at "patterns" (no one that I know of has made the
> connection between CT and pattern languages of programming (PLOP), a la
> the Gang of Four (authors of the famous book), but I will be surprised
> if there is not a deep link to be found there.
Read more, they have also been connected to such things as ERD's as well.
> Am I making the same mistake in thinking category theory is some kind of
> uber-theory which unifies and connects disparate areas?
What it DOES do is allow one to make predictions from one area of
experience into another area of experiece *when the second area of
experience isn't as well as explored as the first*.
--
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There is less in this than meets the eye.
Tellulah Bankhead
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