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How statement and proof provenance work

The first chip identifies the source of the statement or construction; the second identifies the source of its local proof or verification.

  • Literature-sourced: the exact statement appears in a cited source; only wording and notation differ.
  • AI-adapted: a semantically identical restatement of literature-sourced material, modulo indexing, notation, and boundary cases adopted by the library.
  • AI-generated: a genuinely novel statement formulated by AI, with no source for the claim itself.

These labels describe origin, not correctness: citations and verification chips remain separate evidence.

✓ 25 results · all verified · 0 also independently AI-judged
Every result on this page is machine-checked by a proof checker and read in full and owner-audited; the judge is an additional, independent cross-model AI review of the proofs. The 25 not AI-judged were verified by owner audit (typically over a confirmed judge false positive), not failures.

Categories, Functors and Natural Transformations — Examples

1 · Prerequisites

2 · Summary

3 · Logical flowchart

4 · Definitions, theorems and proofs

None yet.

5 · Examples, counterexamples and false statements

ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

Underlying-set and structure-forgetting functors among Grp, Ring, VectF, R-Mod, Top, and Set

Example

Each familiar category of structured objects has an underlying-set functor to Set. It sends an object to its carrier and a morphism to its underlying function.

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

For each of the five structured categories in [L2], define U on objects by U(A)= the carrier of A, and define U(f) to be the same ordered-pair relation as the structure-preserving map f, now regarded only as a function.

L1L2
2.1

The underlying function of the identity morphism of A is 1U(A), so U(1A)=1U(A).

step 1.1
2.2

Composition in every category in [L2] is composition of the underlying functions. Hence U(g∘f)=U(g)∘U(f).

step 1.1L2
3.1

Thus the underlying-set assignments from Grp, Ring, VectF, R-Mod, and Top to Set are functors. They forget structure but not the identity and composition laws.

step 2.1step 2.2∎
ExampleConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

The free-group functor F:Set→Grp and free-module functor R(−):Set→R-Mod

Example

Free groups and free left R-modules vary functorially with their sets of generators.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A unital ring R and sets with functions between them.

[L2]

The reduced-word group on X has the free-group universal property (Free group on a set of generators, Reduced words form the free group on an alphabet).

[L3]

A free module has a basis, and finite sums in its additive commutative monoid are defined and invariant under reindexing (Generated submodule, cyclic and finitely generated modules, module basis and free module, A finite sum in a commutative monoid indexed by an arbitrary finite set).

[L4]

A finite sum over a finite index set in a commutative monoid is well defined and independent of the enumeration, and reindexes along a bijection (A finite sum in a commutative monoid indexed by an arbitrary finite set, Finite commutative-monoid sums are invariant under bijective reindexing, split over disjoint unions, and satisfy the finite Fubini rule).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

For a function f:X→Y, the composite X→fY→F(Y) extends uniquely by [L2] to a homomorphism F(f):F(X)→F(Y).

L2
1.2

Construct R(X) explicitly, since [L3] says only what it means for a module to be free and does not build one: let R(X) be the set of functions a:X→R whose support supp⁡(a)={x:ax≠0} is finite, with pointwise addition and scalar multiplication. Both operations preserve finite support because supp⁡(a+b)⊆supp⁡(a)∪supp⁡(b) and supp⁡(ra)⊆supp⁡(a), so R(X) is a left R-module, and the family ex with ex(x)=1 and ex=0 elsewhere is a basis: every a is the finite sum ∑x∈supp⁡(a)axex, and a vanishing finite combination has every coefficient zero by evaluating at each index. So R(X) is free in the sense of [L3]. Now R(f) sends a to the family y↦∑x∈f−1(y)∩supp⁡(a)ax; the index set is finite because it lies in supp⁡(a), which is what [L4] requires, whereas f−1(y) itself may be infinite. The result again has finite support, contained in f[supp⁡(a)], and R(f) is additive and R-linear because each coefficient is a finite sum of the corresponding coefficients of a. On basis elements it sends ex to ef(x).

L3L4
2.1

Both maps assigned to 1X fix every generator. The uniqueness of the free extensions therefore gives F(1X)=1F(X) and R(1X)=1R(X).

step 1.1step 1.2L2L3
2.2

For X→fY→gZ, the maps F(gf) and F(g)F(f) agree on every generator. The module maps R(gf) and R(g)R(f) likewise send ex to eg(f(x)); finite-sum reindexing gives the same equality in coefficient form.

step 1.1step 1.2L2L3
3.1

Hence X↦F(X) and X↦R(X), with the maps above, define functors Set→Grp and Set→R-Mod.

step 2.1step 2.2L1∎
ExampleConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

Chosen bases exhibit MatF as equivalent to finite-dimensional vector spaces

Example

Let MatF have natural numbers as objects and m×n matrices as morphisms n→m. The coordinate functor identifies it, up to equivalence, with the category of finite-dimensional F-vector spaces.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A field F and, for every finite-dimensional F-vector space, a supplied ordered basis.

[L4]

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

By [L2], matrix multiplication and identity matrices make MatF a category. Define K:MatF→FinVectF by K(n)=Fn and by letting K(A) be multiplication by the matrix A.

L1L2
2.1

Identity and composition are preserved by [L2] and [L3], so K is a functor.

step 1.1L2L3L5
2.2

For every m,n, the map A↦K(A) is the coordinate bijection from m×n matrices to linear maps Fn→Fm. Thus K is fully faithful.

step 1.1L3L5
2.3

Suppose an ordered basis has been supplied for each finite-dimensional vector space V. If its length is nV, the coordinate map FnV→V is a specified isomorphism, including when V=0. Hence these choices split essential surjectivity.

step 1.1L3L4L5
3.1

The criterion in [L5] now makes K an equivalence. Thus chosen bases turn arbitrary finite-dimensional spaces into coordinate models without asserting that the two categories are strictly identical.

step 2.1step 2.2step 2.3L5∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

The arrow category Set→: functions as objects and commuting squares as morphisms

Example

The functor category from the walking-arrow category to Set is the arrow category Set→.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The walking-arrow category 2=(0→1).

[L1]

Objects and morphisms in a functor category are functors and natural transformations (Functor category [C,D]).

[L2]

Sets and functions form the category Set (Sets and functions form the large locally small category Set).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Let 2 have objects 0,1, their identities, and one further arrow a:0→1. A functor F:2→Set is exactly a function F(a):F(0)→F(1).

L1L2
2.1

Given functions f:X→Y and g:X′→Y′, a natural transformation between their corresponding functors consists of maps u:X→X′ and v:Y→Y′ satisfying vf=gu. Thus it is exactly a commuting square.

step 1.1L1
3.1

Vertical composition composes the two side maps of commuting squares. It preserves the square equation, and identity transformations give identity squares. Therefore [2,Set] is precisely Set→ as described.

step 2.1L1∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

Quivers and quiver homomorphisms form a functor category of set-valued diagrams

Example

Directed multigraphs, also called quivers, are set-valued functors on a fixed two-object indexing category.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The category J freely generated by two arrows s,t:E→V.

[L1]

A functor category has functors as objects and natural transformations as morphisms (Functor category [C,D]).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Let J have objects E,V, identities, and two distinct arrows s,t:E→V. A functor Q:J→Set consists of a set Q(E) of edges, a set Q(V) of vertices, and source and target maps Q(s),Q(t):Q(E)→Q(V). This is exactly a quiver.

L1L2
2.1

A natural transformation α:Q⇒Q′ consists of functions αE:Q(E)→Q′(E) and αV:Q(V)→Q′(V) with αVQ(s)=Q′(s)αE and αVQ(t)=Q′(t)αE. These are precisely the incidence-preservation equations for a quiver homomorphism.

step 1.1L1
3.1

Since identities and composition are componentwise in the functor category, this identification respects identity quiver maps and their composites. Hence quivers and quiver homomorphisms form [J,Set].

step 2.1L1∎
ExampleConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

The fundamental groupoid of a topological space

Example

For a topological space X, paths modulo endpoint-preserving homotopy form a groupoid Π1(X) with [β]∘[α]=[α∗β] and [α]−1=[αˉ]. With this library's traversal-order multiplication on fundamental groups, Aut⁡Π1(X)(x) is the opposite group of π1(X,x) and is canonically isomorphic to π1(X,x) by path reversal.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A topological space X.

[L2]

Paths and their elementary concatenation and reversal constructions are given in Paths, path-connected spaces and path components, while continuous maps compose and maps continuous on a finite closed cover paste continuously (Continuity may be checked on any open cover, and on any finite closed cover; composites of continuous maps are continuous).

[L3]

Categories and groupoids have identity, associative composition, and invertible arrows (Category, object, morphism, domain, codomain, identity, composition, and hom-collection, Isomorphism, groupoid, and connected category). For an object x, multiplication in its automorphism group is categorical composition: vu:=v∘u.

[L4]

The traversal-order fundamental-group product is [α][β]=[α∗β], with inversion induced by path reversal (Based loops and the fundamental group, Loop classes form the group π1(X,x0) under concatenation).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Take the points of X as objects and define Hom⁡(x,y) to be the endpoint-preserving homotopy classes of paths from x to y. For α:x→y and β:y→z, put [β]∘[α]=[α∗β], and take the constant path at x as 1x.

L1L2
2.1

If H deforms α to α′ and K deforms β to β′ rel endpoints, paste H(2s,t) for s≤1/2 to K(2s−1,t) for s≥1/2. The endpoint conditions agree along the seam, so the finite closed-pasting argument in [L2] gives an endpoint-preserving homotopy α∗β≃α′∗β′. Thus composition is well defined on classes.

step 1.1L1L2
2.2

Composing a path α with the straight-line homotopies from s to max⁡(0,2s−1) and to min⁡(2s,1) proves the left and right identity laws. If r(s)=2s for s≤1/2 and r(s)=2−2s for s≥1/2, then α((1−t)r(s)) contracts α∗αˉ rel endpoints; the analogous formula α(t+(1−t)(1−r(s))) contracts αˉ∗α. Hence reversal supplies a two-sided inverse class.

step 1.1L1L2algebra
3.1

For three composable paths, let δ:[0,3]→X traverse them successively. The two bracketings are δ∘p and δ∘q, where p(s)=4s for s≤1/2 and p(s)=2s+1 for s≥1/2, while q(s)=2s for s≤1/2 and q(s)=4s−1 for s≥1/2. The formula δ((1−t)p(s)+tq(s)) is an endpoint-preserving homotopy, so composition is associative on classes.

step 1.1step 2.1L1L2algebra
4.1

Steps 2.1, 3.1, and 2.2 make Π1(X) a groupoid. Its automorphisms at x are the based-loop classes, but [β]∘[α]=[α∗β]=[α][β] in the traversal-order product of [L4]. Thus the identity on loop classes identifies Aut⁡Π1(X)(x) with π1(X,x)op. The inversion map [α]↦[αˉ] is therefore a canonical group isomorphism Aut⁡Π1(X)(x)≅π1(X,x).

step 2.1step 3.1step 2.2L3L4algebra∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

Pointed sets are equivalent to sets and partial functions but not isomorphic as categories

Example

Let Par have sets as objects and partial functions as morphisms. Adjoining or deleting a basepoint gives an equivalence Par≃Set∗, but no isomorphism of these concrete categories exists.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The category Par of sets and partial functions and the category Set∗ of pointed sets and pointed maps.

[L1]

An equivalence consists of functors inverse up to natural isomorphism (Equivalence, quasi-inverse, and adjoint equivalence of categories).

[L2]

An isomorphism of categories is bijective on objects and morphisms (A functor is an isomorphism of categories exactly when its object and morphism maps are bijective).

[L3]

Sets and functions form Set, and zero objects are both initial and terminal (Sets and functions form the large locally small category Set, Initial object, terminal object, and zero object).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

A partial function A⇀B is a function from a subset of A to B, with the usual partial composition. Let L(A)=A⨿{∗} and extend a partial function by sending every undefined input and the new point to the new point. This defines L:Par→Set∗.

L3
1.2

Conversely, let R(X,x0)=X∖{x0}. A pointed map f:(X,x0)→(Y,y0) induces the partial function defined at x≠x0 exactly when f(x)≠y0, with value f(x). This defines R:Set∗→Par.

L3
1.3

The empty set is the unique zero object of Par: if Z were terminal, the empty partial function and each everywhere-defined map {∗}→Z would force Z=∅. In Set∗ every pointed singleton is a zero object, so the distinct objects ({0},0) and ({1},1) are both zero objects.

L3
2.1

Direct inspection of domains shows that both assignments preserve identities and partial composition. The canonical bijection A→RLA and the pointed bijection (X∖{x0})⨿{∗}→X that is inclusion on the first summand and sends ∗ to x0 are natural. Hence RL≅1Par and LR≅1Set∗.

step 1.1step 1.2
3.1

Step 2.1 supplies the equivalence in [L1]. An isomorphism as in [L2] would biject objects and, together with its inverse, preserve and reflect the zero-object property, contradicting step 1.3. Thus these categories are equivalent but not isomorphic.

step 2.1step 1.3L1L2∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

For a fixed space X, product with X defines an endofunctor of Top

Example

Fix a topological space X. The assignment Y↦X×Y is an endofunctor of Top.

Facts & Assumptions

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Define TX(Y)=X×Y with the product topology. For a continuous f:Y→Z, define TX(f)=1X×f by (x,y)↦(x,f(y)).

L1
2.1

Its coordinate maps are the first projection and f after the second projection, so TX(f) is continuous by [L2].

step 1.1L2
2.2

Pointwise, 1X×1Y=1X×Y and (1X×g)(1X×f)=1X×(gf).

step 1.1
3.1

Thus TX sends every morphism of Top to a morphism and obeys the two functor equations. It is an endofunctor by [L3].

step 2.1step 2.2L1L3∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

Open-set and closed-set functors on Topop are naturally isomorphic by complements

Example

Inverse image makes open and closed subsets contravariant in a space. Ordering closed subsets by reverse inclusion makes complementation a natural isomorphism between the resulting poset-valued functors.

Facts & Assumptions

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Let O(X) be the open subsets of X ordered by inclusion, and let C(X) be the closed subsets ordered by reverse inclusion. For f:X→Y, assign to either kind of subset its inverse image under f.

L1
2.1

Inverse image is monotone for inclusion and for reverse inclusion, preserves identity functions, and satisfies (gf)−1=f−1g−1. Thus O,C:Topop→Poset are functors.

step 1.1L1L2
2.2

Complementation cX:O(X)→C(X) is monotone because U⊆V implies X∖U⊇X∖V. It is its own order-isomorphism inverse.

step 1.1
2.3

For every continuous f:X→Y and open U⊆Y, the identity X∖f−1(U)=f−1(Y∖U) says exactly that the complement square commutes.

step 1.1L1
3.1

The componentwise order isomorphisms of step 2.2 are natural by step 2.3. Hence complementation gives O≅C as functors Topop→Poset.

step 2.1step 2.2step 2.3L3∎
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Singletons define a natural transformation from the identity functor on sets to the covariant power-set functor

Example

Sending an element to its singleton is natural when the power-set construction acts covariantly by direct image.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Sets X,Y and a function f:X→Y.

[L2]

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Define P(X) to be the power set of X and P(f)(S)=f[S]. Direct images satisfy 1X[S]=S and (gf)[S]=g[f[S]], so P:Set→Set is a functor.

L1L2
1.2

Define ηX:X→P(X) by ηX(x)={x}.

L1
2.1

For every x∈X, (P(f)ηX)(x)=f[{x}]={f(x)}=(ηYf)(x). Therefore P(f)ηX=ηYf.

step 1.1step 1.2L1
3.1

The equality in step 2.1 is the naturality square for every function f. Hence the singleton maps are the components of a natural transformation η:1Set⇒P.

step 2.1L2∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

The opposite-group functor is naturally isomorphic to the identity functor by inversion

Example

Reversing multiplication defines an endofunctor on groups, and inversion gives a natural isomorphism from the identity functor to it.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A group G and group homomorphisms.

[L1]

Groups and homomorphisms form Grp, and group isomorphisms are bijective homomorphisms (Groups and group homomorphisms form the large locally small category Grp, Group isomorphisms, automorphisms and the set Aut⁡(G)).

[L2]

Opposite composition reverses the order (Opposite category Cop); a natural isomorphism is a natural transformation with a two-sided inverse natural transformation (Natural isomorphism), which holds exactly when every component is an isomorphism (A natural transformation is a natural isomorphism exactly when every component is an isomorphism).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Let Gop have the same set and identity as G, with a⋆b=ba. A homomorphism f:G→H is also a homomorphism Gop→Hop, since f(a⋆b)=f(b)f(a)=f(a)⋆f(b). Thus G↦Gop defines an endofunctor O on Grp.

L1L2
1.2

Define νG:G→Gop by νG(a)=a−1. Then νG(ab)=b−1a−1=νG(a)⋆νG(b), and νG is its own inverse as a set map, so it is a group isomorphism.

L1
2.1

Every homomorphism preserves inverses, so for f:G→H one has O(f)νG(a)=f(a−1)=f(a)−1=νHf(a). Hence the component square commutes.

step 1.1step 1.2
3.1

The isomorphisms νG are natural by step 2.1. Therefore inversion defines a natural isomorphism 1Grp≅O.

step 2.1L2∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

The distributive and exponential laws of sets are natural isomorphisms

Example

The familiar distributive and exponential bijections of sets commute with functions in every variable, so they are natural isomorphisms.

Facts & Assumptions

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Use the tagged union B⨿C=(B×{0})∪(C×{1}). Define A×(B⨿C)→(A×B)⨿(A×C) by (a,(b,0))↦((a,b),0) and (a,(c,1))↦((a,c),1).

L1
1.2

Define AB⨿C→AB×AC by restricting a function to the two tagged summands, and define (A×B)C→AC×BC by composing with the two projections.

L1
2.1

Untagging in step 1.1, joining two functions on disjoint tagged summands, and pairing two functions pointwise are respective two-sided inverses. Hence all three displayed maps are bijections.

step 1.1step 1.2L1L2
2.2

Applying functions to the named entries before or after any map in steps 1.1 and 1.2 produces the same tuple or function value. Precomposition behaves the same way in each exponent variable. Thus every naturality square commutes in all covariant and contravariant variables.

step 1.1step 1.2
3.1

The three componentwise bijections are natural by step 2.2, and their inverses are automatically natural. They therefore give the distributive and exponential natural isomorphisms.

step 2.1step 2.2L2∎
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For n≥1, determinant is a natural transformation det⁡:GL⁡n(−)⇒(−)× from commutative rings to groups

Example

For a fixed natural number n≥1, entrywise application of ring homomorphisms makes invertible matrices and units group-valued functors, and determinant is natural between them.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A natural number n≥1 and unit-preserving homomorphisms of commutative rings.

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

For a commutative ring R, put U(R)=R×. For φ:R→S, restrict φ to units; it is a group homomorphism because ring homomorphisms preserve products, identities, and inverses. Identity and composition are inherited, so U is a functor to Grp.

L1L2
1.2

Put Gn(R)=GL⁡n(R) and apply φ entrywise. From the product formula, φ((AB)ik)=∑jφ(aij)φ(bjk), so this assignment preserves matrix products and identities and carries an inverse matrix to an inverse matrix. Entrywise identity and composition make Gn a functor to Grp.

L1L2L3algebra
2.1

Multiplicativity and the unit result in [L4] make det⁡R:Gn(R)→U(R) a group homomorphism.

step 1.1step 1.2L4
2.2

Applying φ to the finite Leibniz sum term by term gives det⁡S(Gn(φ)(A))=φ(det⁡R(A))=U(φ)(det⁡R(A)).

step 1.1step 1.2L2L4
3.1

Step 2.2 is the naturality square for every commutative-ring homomorphism. Hence (det⁡R)R defines a natural transformation Gn⇒U.

step 2.1step 2.2L1∎
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Actions of a group G on sets are functors BG→Set

Example

A left action of G on a set is exactly a set-valued functor on the one-object category BG.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A group G and its one-object category BG.

[L3]

Group actions correspond to homomorphisms into permutation groups (Actions of G on X correspond exactly to homomorphisms G→Sym⁡(X)).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

A functor F:BG→Set selects one set X=F(∗) and, for every g∈G, a function F(g):X→X.

L1L2
1.2

Conversely, a left action defines F(∗)=X and F(g)(x)=g⋅x; its action axioms are precisely the two functor equations.

L1L2L3
2.1

The functor equations say F(e)=1X and F(gh)=F(g)F(h). With g⋅x=F(g)(x), these become e⋅x=x and (gh)⋅x=g⋅(h⋅x), exactly the left-action axioms.

step 1.1L2L3
3.1

The two constructions recover the same functions F(g) and the same action operation. Therefore left G-actions on sets are exactly functors BG→Set.

step 2.1step 1.2∎
ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

An action groupoid has the acted-on set as objects, orbits as connected components, and stabilizers as automorphism groups

Example

Every group action determines a groupoid whose categorical connectedness and automorphisms recover the action's orbits and stabilizers.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A left action of a group G on a set X.

[L1]

The identity and multiplication in G may be read as categorical identity and composition (A monoid is a one-object category, and a group is a one-object category in which every morphism is invertible).

[L3]

A groupoid has only invertible arrows, and connectedness means that every two objects are joined by an arrow (Isomorphism, groupoid, and connected category).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Define X//G to have objects x∈X and one arrow (g,x):x→g⋅x for each g∈G. Put (h,g⋅x)∘(g,x)=(hg,x) and 1x=(e,x).

L1L2
2.1

Associativity and the identity laws follow from the corresponding group laws and the action law. The inverse of (g,x) is (g−1,g⋅x), so this category is a groupoid.

step 1.1L1L2L3
2.2

Objects x,y are joined by an arrow exactly when y=g⋅x for some g, which is exactly membership in the same orbit. An automorphism of x is an element g with g⋅x=x, exactly an element of Stab⁡G(x).

step 1.1L2L3
3.1

Consequently the connected components of X//G are the G-orbits, and Aut⁡(x)=Stab⁡G(x) with the same multiplication.

step 2.1step 2.2∎
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A path between basepoints induces an isomorphism of fundamental groups

Example

If a path γ joins x0 to x1, conjugating loops by γ gives an isomorphism π1(X,x0)≅π1(X,x1).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A space X and a path γ:x0→x1.

[L1]

Loop classes at a basepoint multiply by concatenation in traversal order, [α][β]=[α∗β], and form a group with identity the class of the constant loop and [α]−1=[αˉ] (Based loops and the fundamental group, Loop classes form the group π1(X,x0) under concatenation).

[L2]

A path in X from x to y is a continuous γ:I→X with γ(0)=x and γ(1)=y; its reversal is γˉ(t)=γ(1−t), and paths with matching endpoints concatenate by traversing each at double speed (Paths, path-connected spaces and path components).

[L3]

A path homotopy relative to the endpoints between paths α,β with the same initial and terminal points is a continuous H:I×I→X with H(s,0)=α(s), H(s,1)=β(s), H(0,t)=α(0) and H(1,t)=α(1) (Homotopies of continuous maps, homotopies relative to a subspace, and path homotopies relative to the endpoints); this relation is an equivalence relation (Homotopy relative to a fixed subspace, and path homotopy relative to endpoints, are equivalence relations).

[L4]

A map is continuous when its restrictions to the members of a finite closed cover are continuous and agree on overlaps (Continuity may be checked on any open cover, and on any finite closed cover; composites of continuous maps are continuous).

[L5]

A bijective group homomorphism is a group isomorphism (Group isomorphisms, automorphisms and the set Aut⁡(G)).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1

Concatenation respects path homotopy. Let α≃α′ rel endpoints by H, and let β≃β′ rel endpoints by K, with the terminal point of α equal to the initial point of β. Setting G(s,t)=H(2s,t) for s≤12 and G(s,t)=K(2s−1,t) for s≥12 gives a map on the two closed sets [0,12]×I and [12,1]×I, which cover I×I and meet where H(1,t) and K(0,t) are both the shared endpoint. Each piece is a composite of H or K with an affine map of I×I, so [L4] makes G continuous, and it is a path homotopy α∗β≃α′∗β′ rel endpoints.

L2L3L4
1.2

Reparametrisation does not change the class. Let φ:I→I be continuous with φ(0)=0 and φ(1)=1, and let λ be a path. Then H(s,t)=λ((1−t)φ(s)+ts) is continuous, starts at λ∘φ, ends at λ, and is constant at each endpoint, so λ∘φ≃λ rel endpoints. Both bracketings of a triple concatenation, and each concatenation of a path with a constant path at its own endpoint, differ from the path itself precisely by such a φ. Hence concatenation is associative and the constant paths act as identities, in both cases up to path homotopy rel endpoints.

L2L3
1.3

A path cancels its reversal. For a path λ from x to y, put H(s,t)=λ(2s(1−t)) for s≤12 and H(s,t)=λ(2(1−s)(1−t)) for s≥12. The two closed pieces agree at s=12, where both give λ(1−t), so [L4] makes H continuous. At t=0 it is λ∗λˉ and at t=1 it is the constant path at x, and H(0,t)=H(1,t)=x throughout. Thus λ∗λˉ≃cx rel endpoints, and applying this to λˉ gives λˉ∗λ≃cy.

L2L3L4
2.1

Define γ#:π1(X,x0)→π1(X,x1) by γ#([α])=[γˉ∗α∗γ], bracketed as (γˉ∗α)∗γ. The path γˉ runs from x1 to x0 and γ from x0 to x1, so this is a loop at x1. If α≃α′ rel endpoints, step 1.1 applied twice gives γˉ∗α∗γ≃γˉ∗α′∗γ, so γ# is independent of the representative.

step 1.1L1L2L3
3.1

Homomorphism. For loops α,β at x0, reassociating by step 1.2 turns (γˉ∗α∗γ)∗(γˉ∗β∗γ) into γˉ∗α∗(γ∗γˉ)∗β∗γ; step 1.3 replaces the middle γ∗γˉ by the constant path at x0, step 1.2 deletes that constant factor, and each replacement is licensed inside the larger concatenation by step 1.1. The result is γˉ∗(α∗β)∗γ, so γ#([α])γ#([β])=γ#([α][β]) by [L1].

step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3step 2.1L1
3.2

Two-sided inverse. The same construction applied to γˉ, whose reversal is γ, gives γˉ#:π1(X,x1)→π1(X,x0). Composing, γˉ#(γ#([α]))=[γ∗(γˉ∗α∗γ)∗γˉ], and steps 1.2 and 1.3 reduce the two inserted pairs γ∗γˉ and γ∗γˉ to constant paths, leaving [α]. The other composite is identical with the roles exchanged.

step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3step 2.1
4.1

Thus γ# is a homomorphism with a two-sided inverse, hence bijective, and [L5] makes it a group isomorphism π1(X,x0)≅π1(X,x1).

step 3.1step 3.2L5∎
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A functor need not preserve monomorphisms

Statement refuted

The assertion that every functor preserves monomorphisms is false.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The walking-arrow category 2=(0→m1) and Set.

[L1]
[L2]

Counterexample

technique · direct
1.1

The only morphism of 2 with codomain 0 is 10. Thus any parallel r,s with mr=ms must both equal 10, so m is monic by [L2].

L2
1.2

Define a functor F:2→Set by F(0)={0,1}, F(1)={∗}, and F(m) the constant function. This assignment respects all possible identities and composites, so it is a functor.

L1L3
2.1

Let r,s:{∗}→{0,1} select 0 and 1, respectively. Then r≠s but F(m)r=F(m)s, so F(m) is not monic by [L2].

step 1.2L2
3.1

The monomorphism m of step 1.1 is sent by the functor F to the nonmonomorphism of step 2.1. This is the required counterexample.

step 1.1step 2.1∎
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The injection ∅→{∗} is monic in Set but is not split

Statement refuted

The assertion that every monomorphism is a split monomorphism is false.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The unique function i:∅→{∗}.

[L2]

A split monomorphism i:A→B requires a retraction r:B→A with ri=1A (Split monomorphism, split epimorphism, retraction, and section).

Counterexample

technique · direct
1.1

The map i is injective because its domain has no elements, so [L1] makes it a monomorphism.

L1
1.2

There is no function r:{∗}→∅, since the value r(∗) would have to be an element of the empty set.

given
2.1

Therefore i admits no retraction and is not split by [L2], although it is monic by step 1.1.

step 1.1step 1.2L2∎
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A two-object indiscrete preorder is equivalent but not isomorphic to its one-object poset reflection

Statement refuted

Equivalence of categories does not imply isomorphism of categories.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The preorder C={0,1} with x≤y for every x,y, and the one-object poset D={∗}.

[L2]

Quasi-inverse functors with natural isomorphisms give an equivalence (Equivalence, quasi-inverse, and adjoint equivalence of categories).

Counterexample

technique · direct
1.1

Let F:C→D be the unique functor and let G:D→C select 0. Then FG=1D.

L1
1.2

But C has two objects and D has one. No functor between them is bijective on objects, so [L3] rules out an isomorphism of categories.

L3
2.1

The functor GF is constant at 0. Since C has exactly one arrow between every ordered pair of objects, the unique arrows x→0 are the components of a natural isomorphism 1C⇒GF.

step 1.1L1
3.1

Hence F and G exhibit C≃D by [L2].

step 1.1step 2.1L2
4.1

Thus C and its one-object poset reflection D are equivalent but not isomorphic.

step 3.1step 1.2∎
CounterexampleConstruction: AI-generatedVerification: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

The inclusion of one object into a discrete two-object category is fully faithful but not essentially surjective

Statement refuted

Full faithfulness alone does not imply essential surjectivity.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The one-object discrete category C={0} and the two-object discrete category D={0,1}.

[L1]

Full faithfulness means bijectivity on every hom-collection, while essential surjectivity requires every target object to be isomorphic to an image object (Faithful, full, fully faithful, essentially surjective, and split essentially surjective functors).

Counterexample

technique · direct
1.1

Let I:C→D send 0 to 0. The sole hom-map is the bijection {10}→{10}, so I is fully faithful by [L1].

L1
1.2

In the discrete category D, the only isomorphisms are identities. Therefore the object 1 is not isomorphic to I(0)=0, so I is not essentially surjective.

L1
2.1

This finite inclusion is fully faithful by step 1.1 but not essentially surjective by step 1.2.

step 1.1step 1.2∎
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A componentwise family between functors need not be a natural transformation

Statement refuted

Choosing one morphism between each pair of object values of two functors does not automatically give a natural transformation.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The walking-arrow category C=(0→a1) and the category Set.

[L1]

Naturality requires G(a)η0=η1F(a) for the arrow a (Natural transformation and its components).

Counterexample

technique · direct
1.1

Let F:C→Set be constant at the singleton {∗} and let G:C→Set be constant at {0,1}, with both functors sending a to the relevant identity function.

L2
2.1

Define components by η0(∗)=0 and η1(∗)=1. Each is a valid function F(i)→G(i).

step 1.1L2
3.1

At a, the left side of the naturality equation sends ∗ to 0, whereas the right side sends ∗ to 1. Thus G(a)η0≠η1F(a).

step 1.1step 2.1L1
4.1

The family (η0,η1) has a component of the correct type at every object but fails naturality.

step 3.1L1∎
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Every equivalence of categories is an isomorphism of categories

Statement

FALSE. Every equivalence of categories is an isomorphism of categories.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The indiscrete preorder C={0,1} and the terminal one-object category D={∗}.

[L2]

Equivalence is witnessed by quasi-inverses up to natural isomorphism (Equivalence, quasi-inverse, and adjoint equivalence of categories).

[L3]

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

The unique F:C→D and the functor G:D→C selecting 0 satisfy FG=1D. The unique arrows x→0 in the indiscrete preorder form a natural isomorphism 1C⇒GF.

L1
1.2

No functor C→D is bijective on objects because C has two objects and D one, so the categories are not isomorphic by [L3].

L3
2.1

Therefore F is an equivalence by [L2].

step 1.1L2
3.1

This equivalent but nonisomorphic pair refutes the statement.

step 2.1step 1.2∎
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Every morphism that is both monic and epic is an isomorphism

Statement

FALSE. Every morphism that is both monic and epic is an isomorphism.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The unit-preserving ring inclusion j:Z↪Q.

[L1]

The map j is monic and epic in Ring but is not an isomorphism (The inclusion Z↪Q is monic and epic but neither surjective nor an isomorphism in Ring).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

By [L1], j satisfies both cancellation properties required of a monomorphism and an epimorphism.

L1
1.2

The same result proves that j has no inverse ring homomorphism and hence is not an isomorphism.

L1
2.1

Thus j is a morphism that is simultaneously monic and epic but not invertible, directly refuting the statement.

step 1.1step 1.2∎
False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-11Open item page →

Every category is locally small

Statement

FALSE. Every category is locally small.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The definable class Ord of all ordinals, interpreted under the category-size convention in Class-sized category theory in ZFC: definable-class schemas, small and locally small categories, and why CAT is not formed.

[L1]

A category is locally small exactly when every hom-collection is a set (Small, locally small, and large categories).

[L2]

Ordinals are linearly ordered by membership, so any two have a maximum (Ordinal (von Neumann), Trichotomy and well-ordering of the ordinals).

[L3]

There is no set of all ordinals (Burali-Forti: there is no set of all ordinals).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

Define a one-object category O with object ∗ and Hom⁡O(∗,∗)=Ord. Take 0 as the identity and define β∘α=max⁡{α,β}.

givenL2L3
2.1

Maximum is associative, and max⁡{0,α}=α=max⁡{α,0} for every ordinal α. Thus the data in step 1.1 satisfy the category axioms under the given convention.

step 1.1givenL2
2.2

Its sole hom-collection is Ord, which is not a set by [L3]. Hence O is not locally small by [L1].

step 1.1L1L3
3.1

The category O of step 2.1 refutes the assertion that every category is locally small.

step 2.1step 2.2∎
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A natural transformation is determined by its component at one object

Statement

FALSE. A natural transformation between two functors is determined by its component at any one object of the source category.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The discrete category C on two objects 0,1 and the category Set.

[L1]

A natural transformation is a component family constrained by a naturality equation for each source morphism (Natural transformation and its components).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

Let F=G:C→Set send both objects to S={0,1} and each identity to 1S. Because C is discrete, any two functions S→S chosen as components satisfy all naturality equations.

L1L2
2.1

Let α0=α1=1S. Let β0=1S and let β1 transpose 0 and 1. Step 1.1 makes both α and β natural transformations F⇒G.

step 1.1
3.1

The transformations agree at object 0 because α0=β0, but they differ at object 1 because α1≠β1.

step 2.1
4.1

Therefore one component does not determine a natural transformation when the source category has an unrelated component.

step 3.1∎

Sources