Modernizing Modern Algebra, I: Category Theory is coming, whether we like it or not

Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm

• In-person event
• 274, Teraanga Commons, Carleton University
• 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6

• Contact
• Rima Mattar, rima.mattar@carleton.ca, 613-520-4388

Inspired by my past stays at the University of Hamburg, I will chat about the development of the field, Modern Algebra, starting with the foundations set in Germany in the 1920s. Through the work of E. Artin and E. Noether, and through the writings of B. L. van der Waerden, Modern Algebra launched onto the mathematical scene as a sort of Haute Couture fashion in the 1930s. These days, this field is certainly presented as fashion for the masses, as is included in any standard undergraduate curriculum in mathematics. In fact, the contents of van der Waerden’s landmark 1931 textbook “Moderne Algebra” is much in line with our syllabi for algebra courses today. Now at the 100 year mark since the emergence of Modern Algebra, one might wonder: What’s next? I believe it’s Category Theory, whether we like it or not. To support this belief, I’ll present a case study for “algebras” in various settings.