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arXiv:0808.1032quant-ph

Introducing categories to the practicing physicist

Bob Coecke

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Abstract

We argue that category theory should become a part of the daily practice of the physicist, and more specific, the quantum physicist and/or informatician. The reason for this is not that category theory is a better way of doing mathematics, but that monoidal categories constitute the actual algebra of practicing physics. We will not provide rigorous definitions or anything resembling a coherent mathematical theory, but we will take the reader for a journey introducing concepts which are part of category theory in a manner that the physicist will recognize them.

arXiv comments
30 pages and 19 pictures
Journal reference
What is category theory? Advanced Studies in Mathematics and Logic, volume 30, pages 45-74, Polimetrica Publishing, 2006
DOI
Subjects
quant-phQuantum Physics math-phMathematical Physics math.CTCategory Theory math.LOLogic

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  1. The Wholeness of Quantum Reality: An Interview with Physicist Basil Hiley 1 comment

    • I think it is generally useful for people to have a picture in their head about whats going on as work quite frequently gets lead by instinct and educated guesswork which can be made rigorous once you've decided its worth the time to do so. That said I really don't understand…

      uselessView on HNParent context

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