Definition:Metacategory

Definition
A metacategory is a metagraph subject to extra restrictions.

As such, a metacategory $\mathbf C$ consists of:


 * A collection $\mathbf C_0$ of objects $X, Y, Z, \ldots$
 * A collection $\mathbf C_1$ of morphisms $f, g, h, \ldots$ between its objects

The morphisms of $\mathbf C$ are subjected to:

To describe a metacategory it is necessary to specify:


 * The collection $\mathbf C_0$ of objects
 * The collection $\mathbf C_1$ of morphisms
 * For each object $X$, an identity morphism $\operatorname{id}_X: X \to X$
 * For every appropriate pair of morphisms $f, g$, the composite morphism $g \circ f$

However, the last two are often taken to be implicit when the objects and morphisms are familiar.

Of course, after defining these, it is still to be shown that $(C1)$ up to $(C3)$ are satisfied.

A metacategory is purely axiomatic, and does not use set theory.

For example, the objects are not "elements of the set of objects", because these axioms are (without further interpretation) unfounded in set theory.

For some purposes, it is convenient to have a different description of a metacategory. Two such descriptions are found on:


 * Characterization of Metacategory via Equations
 * Characterization of Metacategory via Morphisms

Also denoted as
Many conventions exist to denote metacategories.

For example, many authors prefer a calligraphic $\mathcal C$, scripted $\mathscr C$ or a fraktur $\mathfrak C$ over the simple bold $\mathbf C$.

Alternatively, the collection of objects $\mathbf C_0$ can be denoted $\operatorname{ob} \mathbf C$.

The collection of morphisms $\mathbf C_1$ is also denoted $\operatorname{mor} \mathbf C$, $\operatorname{Hom}_{\mathbf C}$ and $\operatorname{Hom} \mathbf C$.

Also, although formally undefined, it is often convenient to write $X \in \mathbf C_0$ in place of '$X$ is an object of $\mathbf C$'.

Similarly, the notation $f \in \mathbf C_1$ may be encountered.

Also see

 * Category
 * Characterization of Metacategory via Equations
 * Characterization of Metacategory via Morphisms