An introduction to infinity categories

David Blanc (Haifa University)

06-Feb-2023, 10:30-11:30 (15 months ago)

Abstract: In studying the homotopy theory of topological spaces it soon becomes apparent that the homotopy category itself is not sufficient, since many homotopy invariants cannot be described or calculated in that category.

Since there are other settings, such as the chain complexes of homological algebra, in which this holds, Quillen proposed an axiomatization of such situations in terms of model categories. However, these turn out

to be too restrictive for dealing with certain questions, and in particular with homotopy commutative diagrams and the invariants (such as Toda brackets) which they encode. Dwyer and Kan suggested an

alternative simplicial approach, which later devolved into several independent models for what we now call infinity categories, in terms of simplicially enriched categories, simplicial spaces, quasi-categories, and others.

In the talk we will provide examples of questions best addressed in this setting, and briefly describe the form they take in the different models, as time permits.

algebraic topologycategory theorygroup theoryK-theory and homology

Audience: researchers in the topic


Cihan Okay

Series comments: Contact the organizer to get access to Zoom.

Recordings of talks available at www.youtube.com/channel/UCLrmyGpqxyeVpTcA1b5HcMw/videos

Organizer: Cihan Okay*
*contact for this listing

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