8 ms·

Why is everyone here so obsessed with category theory? It has basically no useful theorems.

bmitc 3y ago
I think it's mainly software folks who feel mathematical learning it. Mathematicians primarily use it as a linkage and general tool in some context. I feel category theory needs something to latch it on to. Most software based applications seem a little too contrived, unless I have missed something interesting.
- k__ 3y ago
  If CT is used to connect different parts of math and software is basically math proofs, then it makes sense programmers find CT interesting. It let's you connect your software to math concepts.
  - bmitc 3y ago
    > software is basically math proofs But it's not.
    - solomonb 3y ago
      Not all software but by the curry-howard correspondence you can arrive at programs as proofs.
      - solomonb 3y ago
        Why would I get down voted for this comment?
hughesjj 3y ago
Odd take on a post called "applications of category theory" I mean topology didn't have so many applications 100 years ago, but now that shits everywhere. Math is the ultimate r&d. It's literally the language of causality. Imho it can't not be useful.
- j2kun 3y ago
  I have looked into applications of topology a lot and "everywhere" seems like a stretch, though perhaps you mean it in a particular sense that differs from mine. Could you give some examples of what you think of as the most useful practical applications of topology?
  - max_ 3y ago
    I believe it's used in cosmology to depict the "shape" of the universe
  - epgui 3y ago
    It is used everywhere. ML/AI would be a good example.
    - j2kun 3y ago
      Give me a specific example. Maybe a link to some code, or a design doc, where topology comes into it. If you're thinking about "topological data analysis" and "persistent homology" or similar, I have been down that road already and consider it a dead end (nobody uses it). See: https://buttondown.email/j2kun/archive/whats-in-production/ https://buttondown.email/j2kun/archive/whats-in-production/
- stathibus 3y ago
  I think you're confused about what "applications" means to mathematicians
epgui 3y ago
Because many people (myself included) find it A) interesting, and/or; B) useful.
- stathibus 3y ago
  Please explain how you find it useful

I think it's mainly software folks who feel mathematical learning it. Mathematicians primarily use it as a linkage and general tool in some context. I feel category theory needs something to latch it on to. Most software based applications seem a little too contrived, unless I have missed something interesting.

k__ 3y ago
If CT is used to connect different parts of math and software is basically math proofs, then it makes sense programmers find CT interesting. It let's you connect your software to math concepts.
- bmitc 3y ago
  > software is basically math proofs But it's not.
  - solomonb 3y ago
    Not all software but by the curry-howard correspondence you can arrive at programs as proofs.
    - solomonb 3y ago
      Why would I get down voted for this comment?

hughesjj 3y ago

Odd take on a post called "applications of category theory" I mean topology didn't have so many applications 100 years ago, but now that shits everywhere. Math is the ultimate r&d. It's literally the language of causality. Imho it can't not be useful.

j2kun 3y ago
I have looked into applications of topology a lot and "everywhere" seems like a stretch, though perhaps you mean it in a particular sense that differs from mine. Could you give some examples of what you think of as the most useful practical applications of topology?
- max_ 3y ago
  I believe it's used in cosmology to depict the "shape" of the universe
- epgui 3y ago
  It is used everywhere. ML/AI would be a good example.
  - j2kun 3y ago
    Give me a specific example. Maybe a link to some code, or a design doc, where topology comes into it. If you're thinking about "topological data analysis" and "persistent homology" or similar, I have been down that road already and consider it a dead end (nobody uses it). See: https://buttondown.email/j2kun/archive/whats-in-production/ https://buttondown.email/j2kun/archive/whats-in-production/
stathibus 3y ago
I think you're confused about what "applications" means to mathematicians

epgui 3y ago

Because many people (myself included) find it A) interesting, and/or; B) useful.

stathibus 3y ago
Please explain how you find it useful