## Algebraic & Geometric Topology

### On the commutative algebra of categories

John D Berman

#### Abstract

We discuss what it means for a symmetric monoidal category to be a module over a commutative semiring category. Each of the categories of (1) cartesian monoidal categories, (2) semiadditive categories, and (3) connective spectra can be recovered in this way as categories of modules over a commutative semiring category (or $∞$–category in the last case). This language provides a simultaneous generalization of the formalism of algebraic theories (operads, PROPs, Lawvere theories) and stable homotopy theory, with essentially a variant of algebraic K–theory bridging between the two.

#### Article information

Source
Algebr. Geom. Topol., Volume 18, Number 5 (2018), 2963-3012.

Dates
Revised: 5 February 2018
Accepted: 4 May 2018
First available in Project Euclid: 30 August 2018

https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.agt/1535594428

Digital Object Identifier
doi:10.2140/agt.2018.18.2963

Mathematical Reviews number (MathSciNet)
MR3848405

Zentralblatt MATH identifier
06935826

#### Citation

Berman, John D. On the commutative algebra of categories. Algebr. Geom. Topol. 18 (2018), no. 5, 2963--3012. doi:10.2140/agt.2018.18.2963. https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.agt/1535594428

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