Skip to content
← All questions

What is the formal definition of a natural transformation in category theory?

A natural transformation η\eta between two functors FF and GG (both mapping from category CC to category DD) is a rule that assigns to every object xx in CC a morphism ηx\eta_x in DD, specifically from F(x)F(x) to G(x)G(x). This morphism ηx\eta_x is called the component of the natural transformation at object xx. Crucially, for any morphism h:x→yh: x \to y in CC, the diagram formed by the images of xx and yy under FF and GG must commute, meaning ηy∘F(h)=G(h)∘ηx\eta_y \circ F(h) = G(h) \circ \eta_x.

Conditions

  • FF and GG are functors from category CC to category DD.
  • For each object xx in CC, ηx\eta_x is a morphism in DD from F(x)F(x) to G(x)G(x).
  • For every morphism h:x→yh: x \to y in CC, the commutative square condition ηy∘F(h)=G(h)∘ηx\eta_y \circ F(h) = G(h) \circ \eta_x must hold.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify two functors FF and GG mapping from a source category CC to a target category DD.
  2. For an arbitrary object xx in CC, locate its images F(x)F(x) and G(x)G(x) in DD.
  3. Assign a morphism ηx\eta_x in DD that goes from F(x)F(x) to G(x)G(x).
  4. Repeat this assignment for every object in CC to form a family of morphisms.
  5. For any morphism h:x→yh: x \to y in CC, map it to F(h)F(h) and G(h)G(h) in DD.
  6. Verify that the square formed by F(x)F(x), F(y)F(y), G(x)G(x), and G(y)G(y) commutes, satisfying ηy∘F(h)=G(h)∘ηx\eta_y \circ F(h) = G(h) \circ \eta_x.

Example

The narrator states, "A natural transformation η\eta from FF to GG would then be a rule that assigns to each object xx in CC a morphism ηx\eta_x from F(x)F(x) to G(x)G(x)." The board displays the formula ηx:homD(F(x),G(x))\eta_x : \text{hom}_D(F(x), G(x)) and the commutative condition ηy∘F(h)=G(h)∘ηx\eta_y \circ F(h) = G(h) \circ \eta_x.

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming that assigning a morphism ηx\eta_x for each object is sufficient; the commutative square condition is strictly required for it to be a natural transformation.
  • Confusing the components ηx\eta_x with morphisms in the source category CC; they are morphisms in the target category DD.
  • Believing that a natural transformation maps objects to objects; it maps functors to functors by providing a family of morphisms between their images.

Watch the explanation

Connected concepts

Explore next

Related questions

Meet the concept

↗
Understand why

↗
Find a method

↗
Find a method

↗

Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.