Let $\mathscr{C}$ and $\mathscr{D}$ be a pair of categories and assume they are isomorphic via a functor $$F \colon \mathscr{C} \longrightarrow \mathscr{D}.$$ Suppose that $(\mathscr{D}, \otimes, 1, \sigma)$ has a symmetric monoidal structure (not necessarily strict), where $1$ is the unit and $\sigma$ is the braiding. Then, it seems natural to think that such structure can be transported to $\mathscr{C}$, defining $$x\Box y := F^{-1}(F(x)\otimes F(y))$$ for every $x,y \in \operatorname{obj}(\mathscr{C})$, $$f\Box g:= F^{-1}(F(f)\otimes F(g))$$ for every $f,g \in \operatorname{Hom}(\mathscr{C})$ and similarly for the rest of the monoidal structure. However, I'm not sure about if this really yields a monoidal structure on $\mathscr{C}$. Is this result (or similar) proven in some reference or something? Thanks in advance!
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5$\begingroup$ Yes, this is easy to prove if $F$ is an isomorphism ($F$ just preserves every monoidal category axiom precisely; this is "transport of structure"). An isomorphism will even send strict monoidal structures to strict monoidal structures. The interesting statement is that this remains true if you only require that $F$ be an equivalence; then $F$ will no longer preserve strict monoidal structures and this is what you need non-strict monoidal structures for. $\endgroup$– Qiaochu YuanCommented Sep 14, 2020 at 19:12
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$\begingroup$ Is there any proof of the equivalence case in the mathematical literature? $\endgroup$– user_12345Commented Sep 14, 2020 at 20:32
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1$\begingroup$ Probably? Here's an MO thread about it: mathoverflow.net/questions/168351/… $\endgroup$– Qiaochu YuanCommented Sep 14, 2020 at 20:50
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$\begingroup$ Does this answer your question? math.stackexchange.com/questions/583042/… $\endgroup$– Daniel TeixeiraCommented Sep 15, 2020 at 0:58
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