Re: A well kept secret

[Andree Ehresmann <andree.ehresmann@u-picardie.fr>]

Here are some comments on the discussion about category theory:

1. I testify that categories can be fruitfully introduced to  
undergraduates. In the late sixties, I followed 3 cohorts of students  
from their entrance at the university (just after the Baccalaureat) up  
to their graduation. I introduced category theory in the mid of their  
first year and thoroughly used it later on in my courses on Algebra,  
Topology, Differential Calculus and functional spaces, and Algebraic  
Topology. (All these courses have been multigraphed in Amiens.) Since  
the university in Amiens was only beginning to develop, there were not  
many students, but most of them seemed to enjoy categories and about  
10% of those who completed the cycle went on to do research (generally  
using categories) and obtained university positions.
However I had to stop my experiment because several of my colleagues  
did not appreciate categories:(t was a very bad time for them in  
France in the early 70's.

2. Applications of categories begin to be welcomed in the most varied  
scientific domains. An example is our general model "Memory Evolutive  
Systems" for 'natural' complex autonomous systems, such as biological  
or social systems; when we first introduced it in the 90's, people  
were somewhat skeptical, but now more people accept it, in particular  
cognitive scientists are taking a real interest in its application to  
cognitive systems (our model MENS).

3. Thus, though one of the older living "veterans" of the 60's "war",  
I am not pessimistic (as John Baez seems to imply). I think my  
generation has lost a battle, partially because of too much  
precipitation and not always enough diplomacy, but I feel that the  
youngsters are winning the war and I'ld try to help them as much as  
possible for I have kept all my enthusiasm.

So best wishes to the categories and to all their friends for 2010
Andree




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